Model reference adaptive system based sensorless speed estimation of brushless doubly-fed reluctance generator for wind power application

Abstract

Brushless doubly-fed reluctance generator (BDFRG) is drawing a growing attention of research over the traditional doubly-fed induction generator in variable speed application like wind power generation nowadays, due to its brushless structure. In this work, the applicability of different model reference adaptive system (MRAS) based sensorless speed estimation techniques for BDFRG in wind power application is explored. The MRAS estimators developed, in this context, are based on active power, reactive power and fictitious quantity. All these schemes are implemented under primary field orientation using machine secondary winding quantities as the functional variables. Matlab/Simulink study and hardware test results under variable wind speed (between cut-in and rated speed) are presented for the aforementioned speed estimation techniques. Furthermore, to ensure the robustness of the drive system, stability study using Popov's criteria for hyperstability and sensitivity analyses is presented.