A novel Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller for Power Maximization on Floating Offshore Wind Turbines

Abstract Reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy is main objective wind turbine industry, in particular for emerging sector floating offshore turbines. In this work, a novel Economic Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (ENMPC) strategy developed to maximize power production The control problem solved through an indirect method, which achieves computational efficiency required apply it real world cases. A non-linear Reduced Order predicts aerodynamic power, generator temperature and platform motions inside controller. set constraints, including bound on temperature, thrust velocities are imposed. Simulations using open-source engineering tool OpenFAST 5MW NREL supported by OC3 spar buoy [1] performed validate model then assess controller performances realistic sea state conditions. With respect standard controller, 4.3% increase generated rated conditions achieved with more stable temperature.