Coupled Indirect Torque Control and Maximum Power Point Tracking Technique for Optimal Performance of 12/8 Switched Reluctance Generator-Based Wind Turbines

Abstract

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques for wind turbines have a significant effect on renewable energy production. Therefore, the association of the indirect torque control of the switched reluctance generator (SRG) with the wind turbine considering the MPPT technique has been developed in this work. The proposed strategy has a great impact on the production of renewable energy using an SRG machine. The main steps to achieve the object of this work are: First, the wind turbine was modeled and simulated according to the MPPT. In the second step, the indirect torque control strategy, based on the hysteresis current control for SRG 12/8, was realized. This was undertaken using a proportional integral regulator and the hysteresis controller for the torque in order to obtain the appropriate switching based on an asymmetric bridge converter. Moreover, the SRG has high nonlinear characteristics. Thus, the modeling results of this kind of machine are obtained by the use of the finite element method, with its dynamic study performed by the unique estimation of the electromagnetic torque in its generator mode functioning. Finally, the indirect torque control technique of the SRG has also been associated with the MPPT technique to maximize the efficiency power coefficient. The obtained results approve and validate the efficiency of a proposed MPPT of the wind turbine associated with the SRG. This illustrates, simultaneously, the remarkable effects of the turn-switching angles on the operating performances and the high quality of the produced energy. The importance of the effect of varying the turn-switching angles is also presented and discussed.

Keywords

• switched reluctance generator
• electromagnetic modeling
• finite element method
• nonlinear physical characteristics
• renewable energy
• wind turbine