A novel speed-sensorless adaptive hill climbing algorithm for fast and efficient maximum power point tracking of wind energy conversion systems

Abstract

This research paper proposes a novel solution to the problems that exists in the normal hill climb searching (HCS) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The solution presented not only solves the tracking speed vs. control efficiency tradeoff problem of HCS but also makes sure that the changing wind conditions shouldn’t lead HCS in the wrong direction. It intelligently adapts the variable step size to keep up with the rapid changes in the wind. Plus it has a self tuning capability to copes with the non constant efficiencies of the generator-converter subsystem. The new control law requires neither mechanical sensors nor any prior knowledge of the system and thus it can work with any kind of WECS. The experimental results obtained confirm that the proposed algorithm is remarkably faster and efficient than the normal one.