Papers by Keyword: Wind Turbine

Abstract: Recently, wind energy has become increasingly popular as a sustainable energy source. Variable speed wind energy conversion systems (VS-WECSs), particularly those using Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSGs), are more prevalent to other generator systems due to their higher capacity for electricity generation and adaptability to fluctuating wind conditions. This research presents a new control algorithm that is based on Higher Order Sliding Mode Control (HOSMC) to enhance maximum power tracking (MPT) for PMSG-based wind turbines (WT) under variable wind conditions and system uncertainties. The research employs second order super-twisting sliding mode control (SO-STSMC) to the back-to-back converter that connected the PMSG to the grid. In the proposed controller, the machine side converter uses optimal power control to regulate the DC-link voltage, and the grid side converter provides maximum power tracking (MPT) for the turbine. The proposed HOSM controller mitigates chattering effect associated with conventional sliding mode control, thus improving system robustness, stability, and power efficiency. Simulation of the HOSMC-based system was performed using MATLAB/SIMULINK. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the Maximum Power Tracking (MPT) of the proposed controller, the output power is compared with Proportional-Integral (PI) and First-Order Sliding Mode (FOSM) controllers while varying wind speed over time. Simulation results show that the designed Higher-Order Sliding Mode (HOSM) controller significantly reduces chattering and effectively maximizes the output power by 89% over a wide range of wind speeds compared to other controllers.

Abstract: Studies on the operation of Wind Power Plants related to the role of the control system are still relatively limited. The role of the control system is very important in the power conversion of power plants. To determine the effect of the power converter control system on the DFIG model wind power plant, modeling of the PLTB with DFIG is needed as well as a control system that can be used for simulations on the network or electric power system. The research thus aims to produce a wind power generation model with a DFIG generator and its control system that can optimally regulate power conversion in operations connected to the electricity grid. Several stages were carried out in this research consisting of literature review, preparation of tools for simulation using MATLAB/Simulink, DFIG modeling with the derivation of applicable equations, model simplification, control design, simulation and analysis. At this research stage, the results obtained are part of the research stages, namely obtaining a simplified DFIG modeling. This simplified DFIG model was obtained after formulating the mathematical equations of the DFIG equivalent circuit, deriving equations for the DFIG transient model and arranging the DFIG model in state space form. Furthermore, by simplifying the shape of the state space, the relationship between the stator and rotor of the DFIG is obtained.

Abstract: This research investigates the application of AI-enhanced structural health monitoring (SHM) systems to predict and optimize the performance and reliability of wind turbines in Sub-Saharan Africa power generation. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems data from a Turkish wind turbine were leveraged to develop a predictive model using the eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. Wind speed data from the Turkish wind turbine was substituted with wind speed data of some selected locations in Sub-Saharan Africa (Katsina, Nigeria; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal; and Cape Town, South Africa). The performance of the models was evaluated using Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and the coefficient of determination (R²). The findings show a 0.95% decrease in predicted power output for all the selected locations. The adapted model achieved a MAPE of 1.1% for Addis Ababa, 1.25% for both Cape Town and Katsina, and 1.17% for Dakar, while achieving a high R² of 0.96 for all the locations, indicating high predictive accuracy. In scenarios with high wind speed, Dakar has the highest prediction of 3691.09kW, achieving a 1.03% increase compared to Turkey with a predicted power output of 3583.69kW. Cape Town achieved better prediction accuracy, with a MAPE of 0.78% and R² of 0.98, while yielding a power output of 3545.67 kW. The model achieved F1-Score, Accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and selectivity scores of 99.87%, 99.75%, 99.93%, 99.81%, and 4.85% respectively. This study shows there is vast potential for employing machine learning models in enhancing the operational efficiency of wind turbines. Future study is recommended to incorporate local SCADA data across different wind farms in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract: Two schemes of thermomechanical processing of F420W cold-resistant steel to produce sheets with thickness of 5 and 15 mm for manufacture of wind turbine towers, were developed and tested in laboratory conditions. The first scheme simulated hot rolling on a continuous mill, including reductions with minimal inter-deformation pauses and subsequent slow cooling. The second one corresponded to hot rolling on a reverse mill with accelerated cooling. Mechanical properties were analyzed taking into account the related structural features. Technological recommendations for hot rolling of a thin sheet made of high-strength cold-resistant steel were proposed.

Abstract: This paper provides the modeling and control of stator active and reactive power for doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) under wind turbine systems using a direct power control (DPC) is applied to the grid side converter (GSC), also the rotor side converter (RSC) of the DFIG is controlling with the field control (FOC) to realize the decoupling control of the active and reactive power. For tuning the PI controllers is a tedious work and it is difficult to tune the PI gains optimally due to the nonlinearity and the high complexity of the system. This paper presents an approach to use the particle swarm optimization algorithm to design the optimal PI controllers for the rotor side converter (RSC) of the DFIG. Based on the simulation results, the PSO-PI provides lower value for the criteria and better response compared with the PI conventional.

Abstract: Wind energy is the quickest growing sustainable energy resource in present energy crisis scenario. It has been considered as one of the most viable sources of environmental friendly energy. Starting investment cost of the wind turbine plant is exorbitant. Moreover, production cost of the wind turbine blade is about 20% of the wind turbine plant cost. It is fundamental to decrease the life-cycle cost of wind turbine plant by efficient utilization available wind speed. Optimized diffuser (Convergent divergent type and Convergent type) has been developed with highest possible pressure difference between inlet and exit of shroud, Area Ratio of inlet to exit section, wall length, incident angle and various flow qualities to enhance the available wind velocity considerably. The suitable tiny riblets on external layer of turbine blade have been introduced to lessen the skin friction drag force. Moreover, dual rotor blade with various rotor sizes for primary and secondary rotor, direction of rotor rotation, separation distance between them has been studied to augment wind turbine power generation and improvement in cut-in-speed. Moreover, comparative study will be conducted with standard (bare) wind turbine. Based on the above features, available wind speed increased significantly. In addition, various experiments and CFD analysis work still to be done to assess Diffuser based Wind Turbine model which is much closer to realistic product with available interaction. Due to the above additional features of the turbine system, the utilization of wind speed gets augmented with greater power production.

Abstract: The potential of wind energy is very abundant but its utilization is still low. The effort to utilize wind energy is to utilize wind energy into electrical energy using wind turbines. Savonius wind turbines have a very simple shape and construction, are inexpensive, and can be used at low wind speeds. This research aims to determine the effect of the slot angle on the slotted blades configuration on the performance produced by Savonius wind turbines. Slot angle variations used are 5^o ,10^o , and 15^o with slotted blades 30% at wind speeds of 2,23 m/s to 4,7 m/s using wind tunnel. The result showed that a small slot angle variation of 5^o produced better wind turbine performance compared to a standard blade at low wind speeds and a low tip speed ratio.

Abstract: An article presents a review of current standards and guidelines in the field welding fabrication requirements for wind energy structures in arctic conditions. Extreme climatic conditions, such as Arctic, have a strong influence on the requirements for wind turbines structural characteristics, materials and fabrication methods. Special attention has to be paid for selecting steels with suitable mechanical properties, processing methods and delivery conditions. Additionally, it is highly important to select proper welding process and welding parameters, so that the structural integrity and reliable operation can be achieved.

Abstract: The paper presents a research in identification of optimal conditions for friction material operation in the wind turbine braking system. The component composition of friction material includes brass (binder material); steel (fibers); iron oxide (fillers); cuprum, graphite and metal sulphides (friction modifier); aluminum (abrasive). The dependence of its frictional characteristics on the operating temperature is presented. We also presented the simulation of several modes of the wind turbine braking system. The most optimal operation mode for the friction material is the wind turbine rotor braking and its retention for 30 seconds, followed by further retention of the wind turbine rotor for 300 seconds after each 4th braking.The temperature of frictional material with these parameters did not exceed 350 oC, though the minimal idling of wind turbine was provided.

Abstract: Many patents have suggested that spinning aircraft wheels before landing could eliminate tyre smoke at touchdown. Most patents suggest using available wind power to rotate the wheel with wind turbines. In this paper, ANSYS CFX has been employed to simulate different wind turbines spinning a heavy aircraft wheel at approach. The aim of this research is to check the possibility of using wind power for this purpose and to optimize the wind turbine in a size acceptable in the field of aviation, in order to reach the target rotational speed.