Flatness-based Feedforward Control of Wind Turbines Using Lidar

Current lidar technology is offering a promising opportunity to take a fresh look at wind turbine control. This work evaluates a flatness-based feedforward approach, that allows to calculate the control action based on trajectories of the rotor speed and tower motion using wind measurements. The trajectories are planned online considering actuator constrains to regulate the rotor speed and minimize tower movements. The feedforward signals of the collective pitch and generator torque update can be combined with conventional feedback controllers. This facilitates the application on commercial wind turbines. Simulations using a realistic lidar simulator and a full aero-elastic model show considerable reduction of tower and shaft loads.