The Impact of Advanced Hybrid Controllers on a Six-Phase Wind Energy Conversion System

Abstract

This study uses advanced hybrid controllers to examine the performance of a six-phase wind energy conversion system (WECS). The main goal of the study is to assess how well these controllers work to maximise the WECS\'s dependability, performance, and efficiency. The analysis of the system\'s capability to manage diverse operational conditions and enhance energy conversion is conducted through the integration of hybrid control strategies. The findings shed light on how sophisticated hybrid controllers can improve six-phase wind energy systems\' performance and lead to more reliable and efficient renewable energy production.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Renewable energy sources (RES) must be integrated into the power grid in order to solve critical environmental challenges such as pollution and climate change. Among these, wind energy is the most practical and ecological choice. Nevertheless, the creation of appropriate control systems is necessary for the efficient use of wind power.

In this study, we use advanced hybrid controllers to examine the performance of a six-phase wind energy conversion system (WECS). Our goal is to improve grid-connected WECS power quality through the use of a six-phase permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) and sophisticated control strategies. There are many benefits to using a PMSG in wind turbine applications, including as increased performance and efficiency.

The objective of this investigation is to assess how well sophisticated hybrid controllers work to improve the WECS's performance, efficiency, and dependability. We examine the system's capacity to manage a range of operating situations and enhance energy conversion by combining hybrid control systems. The findings shed light on how sophisticated hybrid controllers can improve six-phase wind energy system’s performance and lead to more reliable and efficient renewable energy production.

II. LITERATURE SURVEY

The ongoing transition to renewable energy sources (RES) is crucial in addressing environmental challenges such as pollution and climate change. Among RES, wind energy is particularly promising due to its sustainability and increasing economic viability. Effective utilization of wind power requires sophisticated control strategies to optimize performance and integration with the power grid.

1. Six-Phase Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS): Recent studies have highlighted the potential advantages of six-phase WECS over traditional three-phase systems. According to literature, six-phase systems offer increased fault tolerance, improved reliability, and enhanced power quality. Researchers such as Gonzalez, M. J. Duran (2015) have demonstrated that six-phase systems can maintain operation under fault conditions where three-phase systems would fail.[1]
2. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSG): The application of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) in wind energy systems has been extensively researched. PMSGs are favoured for their high efficiency, low maintenance, and superior performance at variable wind speeds. In their work, Kenneth E. Okedu (2019) have shown that PMSGs can significantly enhance the efficiency of wind turbines, leading to more stable power output.[2]
3. Advanced Hybrid Controllers: Hybrid control strategies combine multiple control techniques to leverage their respective strengths. For instance, fuzzy logic controllers and neural networks can be integrated to manage non-linearities and uncertainties in wind energy systems. Studies by Jianzhong Zhang and Shuai Xu (2015) have demonstrated that hybrid controllers can improve the stability and responsiveness of WECS under varying wind conditions.[3]
4. Intelligent Control Approaches: The literature emphasizes the role of intelligent control approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), in optimizing WECS performance. AI-based controllers can adapt to changing environmental conditions and predict optimal operational parameters. Research by N. H. Mugheri and M. U. Keerio  (2021) has indicated that AI controllers can significantly reduce power losses and improve overall system efficiency.[4]
5. Comparative Studies: Several comparative studies have been conducted to evaluate the performance of various control strategies in WECS. These studies often compare traditional control methods with advanced hybrid controllers, highlighting the superior performance of the latter. For example, Farhad Zishan (2022) found that hybrid controllers outperform conventional PID controllers in terms of response time and stability under fluctuating wind conditions.[5]
6. Six-Phase Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS): Traditional three-phase WECS have been the standard for many years; however, recent research suggests that six-phase WECS offer considerable advantages. According to studies by Hang seng and M. Jones 2012 , six-phase systems provide greater fault tolerance, which enhances system reliability and uptime. These systems also exhibit reduced harmonic distortion, leading to improved power quality. Additionally, multi-phase systems can handle higher power ratings, which is crucial for large-scale wind turbines.[6]
7. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSG): The use of PMSGs in wind energy systems has been widely advocated in recent literature due to their high efficiency, robustness, and suitability for variable-speed operations. In their comprehensive review, Chuan Ke Zhang and Jian chen 2019 highlighted the benefits of PMSGs, including reduced mechanical stress and elimination of the need for a gearbox, which lowers maintenance requirements. Other studies, such as those by Lee et al. (2020), have demonstrated that PMSGs can operate effectively under a wide range of wind conditions, enhancing the overall performance of the WECS.[7]
8. Advanced Hybrid Controllers: Hybrid control strategies, which combine various control techniques, have been shown to significantly improve the performance of WECS. For example, hybrid controllers integrating fuzzy logic with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control have been studied by Kwansu Kim  (2019)[8]. Their findings suggest that such hybrid controllers can better manage the non-linear characteristics of wind turbines, providing more stable and efficient operation. Additionally, research by Jincheng Zhang , Xiaowei Zhao. (2020)[9] indicates that combining neural networks with conventional control methods can enhance adaptive capabilities, allowing the system to respond dynamically to changing wind conditions.[8][9]

III. SUMMARY

The literature survey reveals a growing body of research supporting the use of six-phase WECS and PMSGs in wind energy       applications.

Advanced hybrid controllers and intelligent control approaches have shown significant promise in enhancing system performance, reliability, and efficiency.

This study builds on these findings by investigating the performance of a six-phase WECS integrated with advanced hybrid controllers, aiming to contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable wind energy systems.

The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the power grid has been a focal point of research due to its potential to mitigate environmental issues such as pollution and climate change. Among these RES, wind energy has gained significant attention for its sustainability and growing cost-effectiveness. To harness wind energy efficiently, advanced control strategies and innovative system designs are essential.

The literature reveals a strong consensus on the advantages of six-phase WECS and the implementation of PMSGs in enhancing wind energy systems' performance.

Advanced hybrid controllers and intelligent control strategies have been shown to offer significant improvements in system stability, efficiency, and reliability.

This study builds on these insights by investigating the performance of a six-phase WECS integrated with advanced hybrid controllers, aiming to advance the development of more efficient and sustainable wind energy solutions.

IV. METHODOLOGY

A significant advancement in Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) involves the adoption of improved power evacuation methods. Variable speed WECS offer numerous advantages over fixed speed systems, including increased energy production, reduced aerodynamic noise levels, and enhanced power quality. Research by Kumar V et al., 2017, [24], demonstrates that variable speed WECS reduce mechanical stress on components and optimize turbine power coefficient across a wide range of wind speeds.

The Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) is particularly favoured for wind power evacuation due to its high power factor during operation, eliminating the need for additional excitation supply. PMSGs offer enhanced reliability and thermal characteristics by eliminating field losses and mechanical components like slip rings. Moreover, PMSGs can operate at higher power factors without magnetizing current, highlighting their noteworthy properties.

The Power Electronics Conversion System (PECS) within the WECS regulates the terminal voltage of the Distributed Generation (DG). The Machine Side Converter (MSC) controls maximum wind power extraction, while the Grid Side Inverter (GSI) maintains stable DC link voltage, facilitates reactive power exchange with the grid, and synchronizes the inverter. Although the incorporation of PECS increases installation costs, it improves system stability by decoupling grid and wind turbine perturbations, ensuring grid supply quality and compliance with grid standards.

The Various factors to be considered:

1. Site Assessment: Conduct a detailed analysis of the wind resource at the potential site, including wind speed, direction, and variability. This involves using historical data and deploying anemometers for on-site measurements.
2. Wind Turbine Selection: Choose a direct-drive wind turbine that suits the site's wind profile. Direct-drive turbines eliminate the gearbox, reducing maintenance and increasing efficiency.
3. System Design: Design the turbine components, including rotor blades, generator, and control systems. Ensure compatibility between the generator and the power electronics for optimal performance.
4. Power Electronics and Control Systems: Develop advanced power electronics to convert the variable AC output from the generator to a stable grid-compatible voltage and frequency. Implement control systems to manage turbine speed and power output.
5. Aerodynamic Analysis: Perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel tests to optimize the blade design for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
6. Structural Analysis: Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure the structural integrity of the turbine under various load conditions, including wind gusts and extreme weather events.
7. Grid Integration: Design and implement grid connection strategies, including compliance with grid codes, voltage regulation, and reactive power support.
8. Monitoring and Diagnostics: Install sensors and monitoring systems to track turbine performance, detect faults, and schedule predictive maintenance. Use SCADA systems for real-time data collection and analysis.
9. Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluate the environmental impact of the turbine installation, including noise, visual impact, and effects on local wildlife. Obtain necessary permits and community approvals.
10. Installation and Commissioning: Plan and execute the installation of the wind turbine, including transportation, foundation construction, assembly, and commissioning. Conduct thorough testing to ensure the system operates as designed.

Conclusion

This research work reviews the performance of a six-phase wind energy conversion system (WECS) using advanced hybrid controllers. The study likely focuses on improving aspects like efficiency, power quality, or stability under varying wind conditions. The conclusion section would summarize the effectiveness of these controllers in achieving the desired performance goals. It might discuss how the hybrid controllers addressed challenges in the six-phase system, such as maintaining balanced DC link voltages. The paragraph would likely end by highlighting the benefits of the proposed system and potential areas for future research.

References

[1] Gonzalez, M. J. Duran “Fault-tolerant Operation of Six-phase Energy Conversion Systems with Parallel Machine-side Converters” IEEE 2015, 0885-8993. [2] Kenneth E. Okedu 2022 “Improving the performance of PMSG Wind Turbines During Grid Fault Considering Different Strategies of fault Current limiters” Volume 10-2022. [3] Jianzhong Zhang and Shuai Xu “Application of Fuzzy Logic Control For Grid-Connected Wind Energy Conversion System” DOI : 10.5772/59923 September 2015. [4] N. H. Mugheri and M. U. Keerio “ An Optimal Fuzzy Logic-based PI Controller for the Speed Control of an Induction Motor using the V/F Method” Volume: 11 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 7399-7404 | August 2021. [5] Farhad Zishan(2022) “Efficient PID Control Design for Frequency Regulation in an Independent Microgrid Based on the Hybrid PSO-GSA Algorithm” https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11233886 ,24 November 2022. [6] Hang seng and M. Jones 2012 “A six-phase wind energy induction generator system with series-connected DC-links”2012 3rd IEEE International Symposium on Power Electronics For Distributed Generation Systems (PEDG). [7] Chuan Ke Zhang and Jian chen 2019 “Design of robust MPPT controller for grid-connected PMSG-Based wind turbine via perturbation observation based nonlinear adaptive control” Elsevier https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.11.048. [8] Kwansu Kim (2019) “Design and Simulation of an LQR-PI Control Algorithm for Medium Wind Turbine” Energies 2019, 12, 2248, http://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies. [9] Jincheng Zhang , Xiaowei Zhao , “Reinforcement Learning-Based Structural Control of Floating Wind Turbines” 3rd march 2022 ,IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SYSTEMS, MAN, AND CYBERNETICS: SYSTEMS, VOL. 52, NO.

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Gurunandan. P. H, Dr. Shilpa. G.N, Praveem. M. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.