Resolution-level MPPT controller for PMG-based wind energy conversion systems

Abstract

This paper presents the development and performance evaluation of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for direct-drive, variable-speed, permanent magnet generator (PMG)-based wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). The developed MPPT controller is designed to vary the resolution-level, J, of the wavelet modulation technique used to operate the generator-side 3φ ac-dc power electronic converter (PEC). The variations of J are created by two angles, θI and θO. The angle θI is defined to map the changes on the input side, while the angle θO is defined to map the changes on the output side of a 3φ wavelet modulated (WM) ac-dc PEC. The resolution-level MPPT is implemented for performance evaluation on a 3.6 kW PMG-based WECS when operated in grid-connection. Test results show good accuracy and dynamic responses, along with minor sensitivity to the variations in system parameters and levels of power delivery to the grid.