Robust multi-model control of an autonomous wind power system

This article presents a robust multi-model control structure for a wind power system that uses a variable speed wind turbine (VSWT) driving a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) connected to a local grid. The control problem consists in maximizing the energy captured from the wind for varying wind speeds. The VSWT-PMSG linearized model analysis reveals the resonant nature of its dynamic at points on the optimal regimes characteristic (ORC). The natural frequency of the system and the damping factor are strongly dependent on the operating point,on the ORC. Under these circumstances a robust multi-model control structure is designed The simulation results prove the viability of the proposed control structure. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.