Robust Control Using a Matrix Converter to Enhance Wind Turbine Systems

Abstract

A viable approach to meet rising power demands and mitigate global warming is the installation of wind turbine systems (WTSs). However, variable wind speeds can significantly impact the energy output of these highly interconnected and nonlinear systems. As a result, maintaining energy quality and operational performance remains a major challenge for researchers and decision-makers. Although proportional–integral (PI) regulators and two-level converters are commonly used in WTSs, they may struggle under rapidly changing wind conditions. This study proposes a command technique for a WTS that utilizes a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) to manage energy output amid fluctuating wind conditions. The proposed strategy improves current control and allows for independent management of DFIG power by integrating a matrix converter (MC) with a fractional calculus-based PI regulator. Unlike usual AC/DC/AC converters, the MC is an advanced AC/AC energy converter that offers enhanced voltage and frequency control along with bidirectional power flow. The effectiveness of the MC and fractional calculus-based PI regulator is evaluated in terms of minimizing torque ripples, reducing total harmonic distortion (THD), and regulating DFIG energy. MATLAB/Simulink simulations indicate that the new robust control outperforms usual algorithms by reducing torque fluctuations and current THD. A comparative analysis shows improvements in power overshoot, response time, THD, and power ripple mitigation. Furthermore, compared with the two-level converter systems, the new robust algorithm demonstrates greater strength against variations in wind conditions and system parameters.