Maximum power point tracking using a novel current control strategy in an SRG based variable speed wind energy conversion system

This paper presents the operation of a switched reluctance generator-based wind energy conversion system (WECS) that is capable of harvesting maximum power under variable wind speed conditions using a novel current control strategy for controlling the generator phase currents. The generator is coupled to a variable speed wind turbine. Its output is harvested using an asymmetrical bridge converter by firing the devices of the converter during the falling inductance region of each of the phases to enable the machine to operate in generating mode. The current passing through each of the phase windings of the machine is continuously monitored and controlled using a hysteresis current controller to make sure that the devices in the converter are fired suitably to harvest maximum power from the WECS at any given wind speed. The entire system has been modeled and simulated in Simulink/MATLAB platform and the results presented show the effectiveness of the control strategy adopted.