Maximum Power Extraction Schemes & Power Control in Wind Energy Conversion System

Nowadays research focus is towards the Variable speed power generation in instead fixed speed power generation in wind energy conversion system. With variable speed, there will be 20-30% increase in the energy capture compared to the fixed-speed operation. For Variable speed wind energy conversion system the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a very important requirement in order to maximize the efficiency. Every year a number of publications appear in various journals and conferences/seminars claiming to offer better and faster MPPT techniques for wind energy conversion system (WECS). On the other hand, wind turbines are designed to give maximum output at wind speeds around 15 m/s (30 knots or 33 mph). For stronger winds it is necessary to dissipate part of the excess energy of the wind to avoid damaging the wind turbine. So all wind turbines are designed with some power control mechanism. This paper provides the brief idea about the power control techniques on modern wind turbines and a comprehensive review and critical analysis of MPPT techniques, which is very helpful for present researcher and students working in this area.