Evaluation of maximum power point tracking in hydrokinetic energy conversion systems

Abstract

—Hydrokinetic energy conversion systems are at the juncture of pre-commercial deployment and consequently, due attention is required with regard to their optimum control and operation. Maximum power point tracking is one such area of interest where the problem evolves around maintaining the overall system operation in the neighborhood of an optimum point. Before developing sophisticated power tracking control schemes for use in hydrokinetic systems, it is a worthwhile exercise to identify relevant solutions that already exist in other similar areas, such as wind or solar energy. Adopting from wind/solar industries, three generic classes of maximum power point tracking methods can be evaluated in this regard. In this work, these three techniques (namely, tip speed ratio control, power signal feedback control, and hill climbing search control) are studied for hydrokinetic systems through detailed modeling and simulation. The underlying advantages, disadvantages and areas of improvement-needs are discussed for these control methods.