State of the art perturb and observe MPPT algorithms based wind energy conversion systems: A technology review

Abstract

To cope with the stochastic wind nature, it is essential to harvest the maximum power by the wind energy conversion system (WECS). Therefore, this article presents an overview of the general WECS configurations, in terms of WTs and generator topologies. To optimize the extraction of wind energy, several maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms are applied. This article offers a concise review of the state of the art MPPT algorithms with critical analysis to improve the ability to choose the appropriate algorithm for a specific application. According to a decent variety of review articles, they can be classified into four categories: indirect power controller (IPC), direct power controller (DPC), hybrid, and smart algorithms, each category has its merits and demerits. Among them, the perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm has been widely applied, over the past decade, to the WECS configuration owing to its various features. Consequently, this article intends to provide a comprehensive review of the most recent research topics of P&O algorithms. The P&O algorithms can be classified in terms of the generated step-sizes and tracking strategy. From the generated step-sizes point of view, it involves fixed, variable, adaptive, and hybrid step-size categories. However, these classes don’t demonstrate the P&O algorithms operating policy and their performance assessment. So, the tracking strategy classifies them into conventional and modified algorithms categories. The conventional algorithms are subdivided into fixed and adjustable step-sizes algorithms. While, the modified P&O algorithms are subdivided to dividing power curve, utilizing a generic objective function, integrating the optimization techniques and hybrid methods. Corresponding to the comprehensive analysis, it is envisioned that the P&O algorithms can be developed in future directions to accomplish more robust MPPT algorithms, effective dynamic performance, and reduced WECS arrangement. Finally, this review article is proposed to offer an appropriate reference for research trends in P&O MPPT algorithms.