Genetic algorithm approach for efficiency maximization and power factor enhancement of a grid connected doubly fed induction generator

Abstract

Ensuring maximum efficiency of a DFIG automatically translates into the need for minimizing generator losses and maximizing active power extraction from the turbine. The goal of loss and reactive power minimization as well as maximum power tracking can be achieved by exercising proper control over DFIG rotor current. This means that the rotor current must be controlled with variation in wind speed. In this work, GA method is applied to determine rotor current references which yield maximum active power, minimum loss and minimum reactive power for a range of generator speed. The novelty of this work is the development of a simple method of DFIG efficiency and power factor control, using GA. Objective functions of output power, generator loss and reactive power have been created. GA toolbox of MATLAB has been used to maximize output power objective function while the other two functions have been minimized. Efficiency and power factor of the system has been computed after optimization to validate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.