Pitch Angle Optimization for Small Wind Turbines Based on a Hierarchical Fuzzy-PID Controller and Anticipated Wind Speed Measurement

Wind energy is an alternative to meet the growing energy demand and protect the environment; however, in places with limited wind resources, only the installation of small horizontal-axis wind turbines (SHAWTs) is profitable. At the height of these turbines, the wind is usually unstable with gusts and turbulence due to obstacles in its path such as buildings and trees. The pitch angle must be adaptable to guarantee nominal rotation speed, and it is commonly regulated with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback controller. This controller works well when the wind is stable, but not with drastic changes in wind speed. To correct this problem, this article introduces a PID controller with automatic adjustment of the gain values using a fuzzy logic controller (FLC). The PID gain adjustment allows an optimal response speed of the system for different wind conditions. The membership functions of the FLC are determined from a methodology that includes: The measurement of the wind speed at a calculated distance, a statistical analysis of the wind variability, and a dynamic analysis of the wind path. In this way, it is possible to anticipate the response of the actuator to the arrival of a gust of wind to the rotor. The algorithm is implemented in 14 kW SHAWTs where the difference in performance with a conventional controller is quantified. Satisfactory results were obtained, the electrical output increased by 7%, and the risk of rotor damage due to vibrations or mechanical fatigue was reduced by 20%.

Automated summary

This article introduces a control algorithm that automatically adjusts the PID gain values using a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) to achieve optimal response speed of the system in different wind conditions. The membership functions of the FLC are determined through measurement of wind speed, statistical analysis of wind variability, and dynamic analysis of wind path. Experimental results showed a 7% increase in electrical output and a 20% reduction in the risk of rotor damage due to vibrations or mechanical fatigue in 14 kW SHAWTs.