Regular Paper Pitch Control of Wind Turbine Generator by Using New Mechanism

This paper describes the modeling of the various components in a pitch controlled wind energy system and the design of the pitch controller, and discusses the response of the pitch-controlled system to wind velocity variations. The investigated pitch control system was observed to have a large output power variation and settling time. The pitch function provides full control over the mechanical power and is the most common control technique used in variable speed wind turbines. At wind speeds below the rated power of the generator, the pitch angle is at its maximum; however, it can be lowered to help the wind turbine (WT) accelerate faster. At the rated wind speed, the pitch angle is controlled to keep the generator at the rated power by reducing the angle of the blades. This paper develops dynamic models in MATLAB/SIMULINK, validates them through experiments, investigates the behavior of the pitch controller during the turbulent nature of the wind condition, and proposes new control in small wind turbine generators. The features of the new proposed stepper motor mechanism will be used in place of the hydraulic actuator.