Adaptive P&O MPPT algorithm based wind generation system using realistic wind fluctuations

In this study, an efficient and fast adaptive perturb and observe (AD-PO) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm based on the variable - speed wind energy conversion system (WECS) is proposed to eradicate drawbacks of conventional fixed step-size P&O (CPO) algorithms and to enhance the operation of variable step size P&O (VS-PO). The AD-PO divides the power-speed (P-omega) curve into modular sectors that depend on the estimated wind speed. The step-size is varied adaptively in each sector by observing the distance between the theoretical maximum power point (MPP) and operating power point. The AD-PO enhances the speed convergence with low steady-state oscillations around the MPP. The system configuration involves a 1.5 MW five phase permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). A back-to-back converter (BTBC) with a dc-link capacitor is used to integrate the PMSG with the utility grid. Simulation results confirm the superiority of the AD-PO over the CPO and the VS-PO MPPT algorithms based on speed convergence and oscillation levels. The performance of the proposed control scheme is validated by real wind data (Boulder City, Colorado) using MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.