Multi-mode control strategy in small-scale wind turbine generators for wider operating speed range and higher efficiency operation

Abstract

This paper describes a multi-mode control strategy for the AC-DC converters used in small-scale wind turbine systems. The primary aim is to improve the performance of existing wind energy conversion systems. The novel control approach combines the advantages of three control strategies: conventional and phase-advance (PA) switched-mode rectifier (SMR) modulation and inverter modulation. It applies different control methods within the different generator speed ranges. The paper provides detailed analysis of the conventional and PA SMR modulation methods and then presents preliminary simulated and experimental results.