New control strategy for fast-efficient maximum power point tracking without mechanical sensors applied to small wind energy conversion system

Abstract

This paper proposes a new Perturb and Observe (P&O) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm for Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems to overcome the rapidity-efficiency trade-off and wrong behavior problems of the conventional P&O technique. The proposed algorithm works in two separate modes. The first mode is activated when the wind speed changes slowly. Under a rapid change of the wind speed, the second mode is switched to avoid the divergence of the system. The proposed algorithm requires only the measurement of the dc-link voltage and the dc current to realize the MPPT control, so no rotor speed measurement is needed, reducing the complexity of the overall system. The performance and the validity of the new MPPT algorithm have been proved by both simulation and experimental results.