EXPERIMENTAL COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN MPPT, HYBRID P&O AND FUZZY CONTROL FOR A SMALL WIND TURBINE APPLICATION

ABSTRACT This study focuses on a comparison between different maximum power extraction controls for a small wind turbine application. In this case, a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) coupled to a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is used. The analysis is performed for variable winds, so that a real small wind turbine application is simulated. An experimental platform and a wind tunnel are used to recreate the different wind profiles. Diverse controls are compared, a "classical" MPPT, a hybrid Perturb & Observe control and a fuzzy control. Artificial intelligence allows the creation of control algorithms that are not bound by the mechanical parameters of the wind turbine, thus avoiding the need to characterize the wind turbine and define the maximum power curve. It is determined that, for almost constant wind profiles, the hybrid Perturb & Observe extracts more energy. However, for the same profile with greater variability, the fuzzy controller extracts more energy.

CFD SIMULATION AND VISUALIZATION BASED INVESTIGATION OF SMALL WIND TURBINE POTENTIAL: A CASE STUDY “NEUER STÖCKACH” FOR STUTTGART

In the face of climate change and the energy transition that the German federal government is aiming for, all renewable energy potentials need to be tapped. Unfortunately, small wind turbines play a niche role in Germany and most other countries despite the fact, that although they offer advantages as e.g. almost seasonal independent energy production in close proximity to the consumer on the same low-voltage grid level. One reason beside the lower wind speeds that can be expected closer to the ground is, that in comparison to PV (photovoltaic), for which good yield forecasts can be made using global radiation measurements from nearby weather stations or online databases, the yield of small wind turbines, especially in urban areas, can only be forecasted using on-site measurements due to the influence of the surrounding buildings and topography. This method is time-consuming and costly. To address this, within this work a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation based visualization framework for the investigation of the small wind turbine potential is presented. In this specific case the energy supply company EnBW is planning to refurbish the “Neuer Stöckach” urban quarter on the former “Stöckach” company site. As part of the redevelopment, a comprehensive energy concept is planned to integrate renewable energies. In this context the integration of small wind turbines into the energy concept is examined according to this new methodology.

Feasibility of Small Wind Turbine via Net Metering in Greek Islands

The evaluation of a small 3kW wind turbine through the net metering scheme is studied in this article. 14 near to sea locations in Greece examined with the help of the RetScreen expert software. The simulations based on electrical, financial and environmental criteria. Siros with average wind speed of 6.93 m/s is the most attractive area while Iraklion is the least attractive location. According to the results the simulated project is already economically sound and a small wind turbine in the Greek islands will become a progressively an even more financially source of electricity in Greece. Finally yet importantly is the fact that the use of small wind turbines has as a result that significant amount of Greenhouse gases do not reradiate into the topical atmosphere.

An investigation into a small wind turbine blade design

The objective of the project was to design a small wind turbine blade which is aerodynamically efficient and easy to manufacture. Preliminary aerodynamic analysis concluded NACA 63-425 to be the most efficient airfoil. Blade geometry was determined after calculating baseline geometric values for low drag which was then used to calculate power. Blade's structural integrity was studied using ANSYS® software. Tested results yielded that a single layer of E-fibreglass-epoxy is good enough to sustain the prescribed loads. The results were used to calculate the total weight of the blade which was then used to determine the start-up speed. Overall the project was successful in designing a wind turbine blade that produced 450 [W] of electrical power at 4[m/s] wind speed with the start-up speed of around 2[m/d]. The project fulfilled its objective which was to design a more effective wind turbine blade with manufacturability in mind.

An investigation into a small wind turbine blade design

The objective of the project was to design a small wind turbine blade which is aerodynamically efficient and easy to manufacture. Preliminary aerodynamic analysis concluded NACA 63-425 to be the most efficient airfoil. Blade geometry was determined after calculating baseline geometric values for low drag which was then used to calculate power. Blade's structural integrity was studied using ANSYS® software. Tested results yielded that a single layer of E-fibreglass-epoxy is good enough to sustain the prescribed loads. The results were used to calculate the total weight of the blade which was then used to determine the start-up speed. Overall the project was successful in designing a wind turbine blade that produced 450 [W] of electrical power at 4[m/s] wind speed with the start-up speed of around 2[m/d]. The project fulfilled its objective which was to design a more effective wind turbine blade with manufacturability in mind.