In the quest for sustainable energy sources, wind generators (WGs) have emerged as a promising solution to provide power for remote and grid-connected applications within IoT-enabled smart power systems. This research underscores the significance of wind energy as a valuable and sustainable energy source in the context of IoT-enabled smart power systems and delves into optimizing its utilization. Specifically, The authors introduce a novel approach to address the limitations of conventional hill climbing search (HCS) methods by incorporating a modified fuzzy logic-based HCS algorithm. The results unequivocally demonstrate that this proposed algorithm significantly enhances efficiency, consistently achieving an impressive efficiency rating of approximately 95% across diverse wind conditions. These findings mark a significant stride towards realizing the full potential of wind energy as a reliable and sustainable energy source within the context of IoT-connected smart power systems, paving the way for a greener and smarter energy future.
TopIntroduction
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSGs) stand out as a highly beneficial option for Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS), offering numerous advantages such as high power density, impressive efficiency, cost-effective maintenance, reliable operation, and the absence of slip rings. Notably, certain PMSG variants featuring a significant number of poles prove to be particularly well-suited for direct-drive systems, a topic extensively deliberated by Ion Boldea and colleagues in 2017. Conversely, in a WECS context, the study conducted by Julius Mwaniki and his team in 2017 centered around the utilization of a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG). However, this choice brings about several notable limitations in comparison to PMSG. These limitations include decreased efficiency, reduced dependability, the requirement for gearboxes to connect the generator to the wind turbine, and the incorporation of slip rings. To connect with loads and power grids, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSGs) rely on a power electronic interface that facilitates the rectification and inversion of the signal. Within PMSG-based Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS), the rectification step typically involves two primary setups. The first configuration, introduced by Remus Teodorescu et al. in 2016, utilizes a diode rectifier and a DC-DC converter, both of which exhibit certain limitations. Specifically, the use of a diode rectifier results in the manifestation of irregular torque ripples of significant magnitude due to heightened Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) values. Additionally, managing the distinct d- and q-axis currents within this design proves to be a complex task. In contrast, the second arrangement employs a controlled rectifier, effectively addressing the concerns raised by Nikunj Shah et al. in their 2013 study and providing a viable alternative to the earlier setup. Since 1997, the use of Vienna rectifiers in communication applications has been documented by Guanghai Gong and his team. This particular rectifier has garnered attention for its potential application in Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) due to its superior attributes compared to other known topologies. Notably, the Vienna rectifier demonstrates a power factor nearing unity and maintains low distortion levels. Its simple three-level converter design, comprising only three controlled switches subject to minimal voltage stress, contributes to cost-effectiveness and easy switching control.
Continuing the exploration of Vienna rectifiers and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms within Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS), it is essential to delve into the multifaceted landscape of these technologies. Vienna rectifiers, renowned for their high efficiency and seamless operation, become pivotal components in WECS due to their ability to function efficiently at high frequencies. This characteristic ensures the absence of dead time harmonics in the processed currents, contributing to a more stable and optimized power conversion process. However, their unidirectional nature, although advantageous for certain applications like WECS, does impose limitations on their adaptability, as evidenced by their suboptimal fit for bidirectional power flow scenarios such as those encountered in electric train systems.
In the specific context of WECS, where the predominant flow of active power moves exclusively from the generator to the load, the Vienna rectifier emerges as a pragmatic and efficient choice. Its seamless operation aligns well with the unidirectional power flow characteristic of WECS, making it a noteworthy candidate for integration into this systems.The quest for effective operation in WECS leads to the imperative incorporation of robust Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms. Among these, the Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) algorithm, introduced by Balasundar and colleagues in 2015, shines as a straightforward yet effective technique. This method optimizes system performance by relying on wind speed measurements. In contrast, alternative methods such as the Optimal Torque (OT) and Power Signal Feedback (PSF) techniques, introduced by Sumathi and others in 2015, offer avenues that do not require explicit wind speed measurements.