Particle swarm optimization-based maximum power point tracking algorithm for wind energy conversion system

Due to the nature of unpredicted wind speed, determining the optimal generator speed to extract the maximum available wind power at any wind speed is essential. Therefore, it is significant to include an intelligent controller that can track the maximum peak regardless of wind speed. This paper describes the design and development of particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to variable-speed fixed-pitch wind turbines. Other than the electrical power subjected to maximization, the proposed algorithm does not need any additional sensor. In addition, the MPPT algorithm does not require any prior knowledge of the wind energy system. Unlike the conventional search optimization method, PSO-based MPPT algorithm produces almost negligible oscillations at the maximum power once the true peak is located. In short, the proposed MPPT is simple, flexible, accurate and efficient in maximum wind power tracking. In this work, MATLAB/Simulink simulation package is used to simulate the performance of the proposed MPPT algorithm.