Maximum Power Point Tracking Control Based on a Nonlinear Backstepping Approach for a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Wind Energy Conversion System Connected to a Utility Grid

Abstract

AbstractWith the high penetration of wind energy resources in the electric grid, the effectiveness of variable‐speed wind energy conversion systems (WECS) can be enhanced considerably by a careful choice of the control strategy. This paper presents a control strategy to track the maximum power point for a wind power generation system. This system is based on a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) wind turbine system with full‐power back‐to‐back converters and connected to a utility grid. The system organization and control approach are presented. The controller is based on the nonlinear backstepping approach, which is robust to parameter uncertainties. The generator‐side converter is employed to regulate the velocity of the PMSG with maximum power point tracking, and the grid‐side converter is used to control the dc‐link voltage and to regulate the power factor with a varying wind velocity. The proposed nonlinear backstepping approach is used to control both the PMSG and grid‐side converters of a WECS. By using Lyapunov analysis, the stability of the regulators is assured. The proposed structure and control methodology are verified through Matlab simulations. Furthermore, a comparison of simulation results based on the proposed backstepping algorithm and conventional proportional integral controller is provided.