A Hybrid Dynamic Nonlinear Controller for Variable Speed Wind Turbine in Low Wind Velocity Regime

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new control approach to be applied to a variable rotor speed wind turbine at low wind velocity zone. The aim is to reduce dynamic mechanical loads and optimize energy production by acting on the generator torque through a new hybrid adaptive controller. This combines two well-known nonlinear methods: nonlinear control based on Radial Basis Function Neural Networks used to estimate the nonlinear part of the wind turbine system and Integral Sliding Mode Control to tackle system uncertainties. Lyapunov’s approach has been applied to assess stability of this new controller. Then, simulations were carried out using the Matlab/Simulink software package. The obtained results demonstrated superior performance of the hybrid controller compared to each controller taken alone.