Modeling and Analysis of Maximum Power Tracking of a 600 kW Hydraulic Energy Storage Wind Turbine Test Rig

Abstract

An innovative wind turbine with a particular hydraulic transmission and energy storage system is proposed in this paper. The purpose of applying the hydraulic transmission is to remove the gearbox and power converter of traditional wind turbine and cooperate on wind resource storing with the energy storage system. To overcome the volatility and intermittence shortcomings of wind and improve the output power quality, hydraulic accumulators are used as the energy storage device for wind energy regulation. The original gearbox and generator in the nacelle of a Micon 600 wind turbine were removed and replaced with a hydraulic pump to make a test rig for the investigation into maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of this hydraulic wind turbine concept. The mathematical model of the entire test system is established according to the four function modules. The MPPT control strategy based on the tip speed ratio (TSR) is adopted and a control system containing three closed-loop controls is designed to achieve maximum wind power extracting and produce constant frequency power generation. Ultimately, the dynamic response of rotor speed control is revealed under step change of wind speed and the maximum power tracking performance of the 600 kW hydraulic energy storage wind turbine test bench is simulated and analysed by subjecting to turbulent speed condition. The simulation results demonstrate that the rotor of the wind turbine can run at the expected optimal speed depending on wind speed, and the wind power utilization coefficient of the unit is stabilized at about the maximum value.