Applications of fault-tolerant control system in the design of wind turbine generation systems: A comprehensive review and future prospects

Abstract

Wind Turbine Generation Systems (WTGS) are widely acknowledged as a key pillar of the renewable power generation sector, while availability and efficiency are among the main issues, particularly those related to faults within systems that reduce performance and increase maintenance costs. This paper aims to provide a literature review of Fault-Tolerant Control Systems (FTCS) in WTGS, specifically addressing methods that can enhance system reliability, decrease maintenance expenses, and increase the rate of overall energy generation. The review discusses passive, active, and hybrid FTCS strategies alongside new technology like Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Adaptive Sliding Mode Control (ASMC), with active fault-tolerant control techniques showing a high level of fault detection and tolerance, especially in offshore wind turbines. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of FTCS as a real-time system for fault detection, isolation, and compensation to meet continuously varying and unpredictable conditions to maintain a stable power generation system. Emerging trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and hybrid fault-tolerant approaches are also outlined to show possibilities for future developments. The review also discusses the relevant research gaps and future works, such as using computational algorithms to develop novel material and implementing the utilization of digital twins to improve fault management.