Analysis and control of a brushless wind generator with maximum power tracking

Wind generators represent a very interesting means for renewable energy harvesting, both grouped in large grid-connected farms and as small units contributing to supply isolated loads such as farms or villages located in remote regions. This paper describes the structure and control of a small-size self-orienting fixed-pitch wind genset using a 3-phase permanent magnets synchronous machine connected to a DC bus via a simplified 2-legs inverter using a split capacitors bank. A maximum power tracking control strategy is investigated allowing compensating for variations of both wind speed and air density. Two simulation models focused on slow and fast phenomena, i.e. max power tracking logic and generator control, are finally described, reporting and commenting some significant results.