Energy management and power control strategy at the low wind speed region of a wind generation microgrid

Abstract

This paper investigates the problems of the energy management and power control in a wind generation microgrid at the low wind speed region. A control strategy based on fuzzy-logic control technique is presented that decides for the operational mode of each wind generator and the proper integration to the microgrid. In particular, the developed control algorithm online decides the best-in-case scenario according to the microgrid topology and wind speed conditions for ‘which, when and how long’ each wind turbine of a microgrid should operate at maximum power point tracking (MPPT), remain at stand-still or shut down in order to provide maximum electric energy to the grid and preserve the lifespan of the wind turbines' mechanical and electrical parts. Thus, a multivariable and multi-objective problem is managed for the low wind speed region in order to provide the best in case operational planning of the wind turbines in a microgrid. The common DC-bus topology with permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) has been adopted for the microgrid of this paper; however, it can be applied to any type of microgrid topology and electrical generators. Selective simulation results are presented in order to demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the developed control system.