Pitch-controlled variable-speed wind turbine generation

Abstract

This paper covers the operation of variable-speed wind turbines with pitch control. The system we considered is controlled to generate maximum energy while minimizing loads. The maximization of energy was only carried out on a static basis and only drive train loads were considered as a constraint. In low to medium wind speeds, the generator and the power converter control the wind turbine to capture maximum energy from the wind. In the high-wind-speed regions, the wind turbine is controlled to maintain the aerodynamic power produced by the wind turbine. Two methods to adjust the aerodynamic power were investigated: pitch control and generator load control, both of which are employed to regulate the operation of the wind turbine. Our analysis and simulation show that the wind turbine can be operated at its optimum energy capture while minimizing the load on the wind turbine for a wide range of wind speeds.