Sensorless robust control for PMSG wind energy conversion systems based on smith predictor ADRC and SMO-PLL estimation

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to improve the control performance of wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) by proposing a new sensorless, robust control strategy based on a Smith predictor active disturbance rejection control (SP-ADRC) associated with a speed/position estimator. Design/methodology/approach The estimator consists of a sliding mode observer (SMO) in combination with a phase-locked loop (PLL) to estimate the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) rotor position and speed. At the same time, the SP-ADRC is applied to the speed control loop of the variable-speed WECS control system to adapt strongly to dynamic characteristics under parameter uncertainties and disturbances. Findings Numerical simulations are conducted to evaluate the speed tracking performances under various wind speed profiles. The results show that the proposed sensorless speed control improves the accuracy of rotor speed and position estimation and provides better power tracking performance than a regular ADRC controller under fast wind speed variations. Practical implications This paper offers a new approach for designing sensorless, robust control for PMSG-based WECSs. Originality/value A new sensorless, robust control is proposed to improve the stability and tracking performance of PMSG-based WECSs. The SP-ADRC control attenuates the effects of parameter uncertainties and disturbances and eliminates the time-delay impact. The sensorless control design based on SMO and PLL improves the accuracy of rotor speed estimation and reduces the chattering problem of traditional SMO. The obtained results support the theoretical findings.