Improved machine learning-based pitch controller for rated power generation in large-scale wind turbine

In variable speed and variable pitch large-scale wind turbines, the pitch controller plays a crucial role in optimizing power output near the rated value during wind speeds that exceed the rated threshold. Nevertheless, the erratic nature of wind speeds poses challenges to the pitch controller’s efficacy, leading to a decline in generator power. So, there has been a growing interest among researchers in the development of machine learning-based pitch controllers. This paper introduces an improved recurrent radial basis function neural network and its parameters were tuned using the modified particle swarm optimization algorithm to enhance neural network performance. The proposed controller is validated in a benchmark wind turbine and comparative analysis are conducted against existing controllers in the literature. Through a series of comprehensive studies, the proposed controller consistently outperforms its counterparts, particularly in achieving power output close to the rated value.