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Energy Optimization on a Wind Power System

Operating at Variable Wind Speeds
Marius Babescu, Emilia Dobrin, Simona Popa-Albu
Department of Electrical Engineering
University Politehnica Timisoara
Timisoara, Romania
marius.babescu@upt.ro

Abstract— In the present paper we analyze the operation of a
wind power system at maximum power, at rapid variations in
wind speed over time. Measuring wind speed and mechanical
angular velocity determines the mathematical model of the wind
turbine, optimal mechanical angular velocity, mathematical
model of the synchronous generator with permanent magnets and
dependence on the wind speed of the optimal mechanical angular
velocity. It brings the wind power system to the optimal area by
changing the load to the generator. The simulations are based on
solving the differential momentum of the kinetic momentum,
determining the variation in time of the mechanical angular
velocity at a certain load of the generator and calculating the
power at the wind turbine and the synchronous generator so that
the generator load is in the optimal area and stable. The
functioning of the wind power system in GALBIORI - Dobrogea
area (Romania) is analyzed. Finally, we present the algorithm for
calculating the power at the generator, knowing the value of the
optimal mechanical angular velocity.
Index Terms—Wind power generation, permanent magnet
generators, optimization, wind turbine, wind speed.
I. INTRODUCTION
The dependence between the wind turbine (WT) power and
the mechanical angular velocity (MAV) for constant values of
wind speed is widely analyzed in the literature.
For the quick variations of the wind speed in time, the velocity
of the WT cannot follow the wind speed because of the higher
values of inertia [1,2]. The MAV must be correlated with the
wind speed all time, to obtain the maximum WT power [2,3].
Because of the higher values of inertia, for the quick
variations of the wind speed, the operation of the wind power
system (WPS) at the maximum power point (MPP) cannot be
achieved. The permanent magnet synchronous generator
(PMSG) power, PPMSG and the MAV, ω(V) are prescribed
depending on the wind speed, to achieve an operation of the
WPS at the MPP.
At the Dobrogea wind farm [4,5,6], the control system has two
major drawbacks:
1) the power regulation, PPMSG is made only according to
the wind speed values, V and does not take into account the
value of the equivalent moment of inertia, J.
2) at quick wind speed variations over time, the velocity
MAV does not reach the optimal value, ωOPTIM, in due time,
because of the high value of J.
Because MAV does not reach the optimal value, no maximum
wind energy is captured.
The capture of maximum wind energy is a complex
problem that is difficult to solve in practice when the wind
speed varies significantly over time and the mechanical inertia
of the WPS is high and does not allow the PMSG speed to be
at the optimal energy values. The wind energy captured over
the time interval Δt is found in the variation of the kinetic
energies and the electric energy discharged by PMSG over the
time interval Δt.
The maximum power value WT, PWT, is obtained at optimal
MAV operation, ωOPTIM, which depends directly on the wind
speed, [1,2,3]. The electrical energy obtained, during the time
Δt, from a WPS depends on the two basic functional
parameters:
1) wind speed, V, in the time interval Δt and
2) the MAV, ω, respectively its variation over time
By measuring these two basic parameters: wind speed, V, and
current MAV, ω, the possibility of capturing a maximum wind
energy is analyzed. In order to operate at the MPP, the current
MAV must be ωOPTIM. The power given by the WT mainly
depends on the wind speed , but also on the MAV. Due to
mechanical inertia to reach MAV in time:
ω = ωOPTIM
the load at PMSG should be changed.
Since the optimal MAV, ωOPTIM depends on the wind speed
V, the value of ω must change in close correlation with V. Due
to the large mechanical inertia, the modification of ω is slow
and therefore ω ≠ ωOPTIM for the most time. The amount of
wind energy captured depends on the current MAV, ω.

978-1-7281-1532-0/19/$31.00 ©2019 IEEE

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The estimation of the maximum power value that WT can R1 – phase resistance of the generator;
develop under conditions where wind speed varies over time is Ld - synchronous reactance after d axis;
particularly important in making an optimal energy setting. In Lq - synchronous reactance after q axis;
some papers [1,2,3], control algorithms are used based on wind
speed measurement and on the optimal speed setting in the ΨPM - flux permanent magnet;
MPP area. MPMSG - PMSG electromagnetic torque;
The calculation of the WT power from the energy balance By measuring the electric power flow in the network and
From the energy balance formula or by integrating the kinetic the MAV, the parameters of the orthogonal model for PMSG
moment equation results the following: are obtained.
∙ = − (1) III. OPTIMUM PMSG POWER CALCULATION
The optimum power value, PGSMP-OPTIM, at GSMP is at
∙ ∙ = ∙ − ∙ = − (2) MAV ωOPTIM, in time Δt.
By integrating the kinetic moment equation (2)
between the limits ωk-1 and ωk:
∙ = ∙ − ∙ = ∙ −
∙ = − ∙∆ (3)
∙ = ∙ − ∙ (10)

= ∙ ∆ + (4) = − ∙∆ (11)
When reaching MAV ωOPTIM, in time Δt, it results
ωOPTIM = ωk
Calculation of the average power is based on MAV and in this case the optimal power at GSMP has the value
measurements and on the network power valid data. = − ∙ (12)
∙∆

II. THE MATHEMATICAL MODELS If ωOPTIM ≠ ωk

A. Mathematical model of the WT (MM-WT) the GSMP load value must be changed to:
∆ =∆ ⁄∆ (13)
We take into consideration the classic form [10] for MM-WT
, = ∙ ⁄ − ∙ −∙ ⁄ ∙ 3 (5) corresponding to the kinetic energy ΔWKINETIC of value:
∆ = ∙ − ⁄2 (14)
The maximum value for the function PWT(ω) will be obtained
for the optimum MAV, ωOPTIM as follows: Generator power must decrease / increase to:
⁄ = −∆ (15)
= ∙ ⁄ − ∙ − ∙
∙ 3
=0 (6)

and the load resistance must increase / decrease to the R value

= ∙ (7) determined from
1+

= 0∙ (8) = 16900 ∙
where k0 is turbine constant. . ∙ (16)
= + ⁄2
B. Mathematical model of the PMSG (MM-PMSG)
To analyze the behavior of the system WT-PMSG for the For V=10.28 [m/s] and R=225 [Ω], WPS operates in the
time-varying wind speeds, it uses orthogonal mathematical following points: A where the operation is unstable and MPP,
model for permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) at the stability limit.
given by the following equations [10]:
∙
= 16.9 ∙ (17)
. ∙
− √3 sin = −
√3 cos = + + Ψ is the PMSG power characteristic for R=225 [Ω]
(9)
= − + Ψ , 10.28 = 2458.9 ∙ 10.28⁄ − 3.7319 ∙ 10 ∙
= ∙ + . ∙ . ⁄
∙ 10.28 (18)
Where is the WT characteristic for V=10.28 [m/s]
U – stator voltage
Id, Iq – d-axis and q-axis stator currents
θ – load angle
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variation of MAV at a certain PMSG load, and based on this,

the power to WT and PMSG is calculated so that the generator
load is in the optimal and stable area .
WPS is brought into the optimal area by changing the load to
the generator. Due to the high response times and the rapid
wind speed variation, in some cases the WT's operating
stability is lost and stopped.
Capturing maximum wind energy is a complex problem
that is difficult to solve in practice when wind speeds vary
significantly over time, and the WPS's mechanical inertia is
high and does not allow generator speeds to be at the optimal
energy value.
For Δt = 600[s], and for J =36734 [kgm2]:
2
− 2−1 2
− 2−1 2 2
∙ ∆ = 36734 ∙ ∙ = 0.33538 ∙
Figure 1. Power characteristics for WT and PMSG 2 1200 60
2
− 2−1 (20)
2 2
A. Optimum speed and optimum power calculation for − = 0.33538 ∙ − −1 + − (21)
PMSG
Case study: analysis of an optimal operation of WPS during 20
With the following experimental data:
mins
TABLE I. 1. wind speed increases from 9.32 [m/s] to 10.28 [m/s] in 10
mins.
P[kw] n [rpm] V [m/s] 2. wind speed decreases from 10.28 [m/s] to 9.08 [m/s] in 10
1617 1720.58 8.4 mins.
2058.83 1720.67 9.32 Following the calculations, the conclusions are:
2225.44 1720.57 10.28 1. at V=10.28 [m/s] the optimum MAV is:
1947.92 1720.29 9.08
1753.81 1720.41 8.38 10.28 = 183.63 ≥ 10.28 =
180.18 (22)
The optimum velocity are calculated as follows: it is necessary to lower the power to the generator so that the
= 30⁄ ∙ 17.863 ∙ (19) operating point approaches the MPP. With ROPTIM = 260 [Ω],
The following results are obtained: the MAV at it is necessary to lower the power to the generator
so that the operating point approaches the MPP.=10.28 [m/s]
TABLE II. increases at
ω(600) = 187.23 [rad/s] comparing to ωOPTIM(10.28) = 183.63
n [rot/min] nOPTIM [rpm]
1720.58 1432.9 [rad/s]
1720.67 1589.8 2. at V=10.28 [m/s] because the MAV has increased from the
1720.57 1753.6 measured value
1720.29 1548.9 10.28 = ∙ ⁄30 = ∙ 1720.57⁄30 =
1720.41 1429.5
180.18 (23)
to the value obtained in optimal conditions
Remark: It can be noticed that only at the wind speed of ω(600) = 187.23 [rad/s]
10.28 [m/s] the optimum speed value is higher than the the operating point approaching the MPP, the wind energy
measured value, and at the other wind speeds the optimum rpm captured over the time interval Δt = 600 [s] from V=9.32 [m/s]
values are below the measured values. Due to high values of to V=10.28 [m/s] has increased from value
the equivalent inertia moment, J, the speed at PMSG can not
−1 600 = 1.2852 ∙ 10 [ ]
9
−
change over time in the same ratio as the average wind speed.
The change in the PMSG load must be made taking into to the value
account the wind velocity signal at time t, positive, in which
−1 600 = 1.2868 ∙ 10 [ ]
9
(24)
case the PMSG load should be increased or negative, in which
3. The simulations presented below have shown the following
case the PMSG load should be reduced. Determination of
• the value of the captured wind energy increases at
electric power according to wind speed is based on the
measurement of two basic sizes: wind velocity and current operation with MAV values close to ωOPTIM
MAV, ω. • the load value at the PMSG must be modified in
The simulations are based on solving the differential relation to the values of the wind speed and moment
momentum of the kinetic momentum, determining the time of inertia J
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• at the values of MAV measured at the location = ∙ (35)

Galbiori - Dobrogea, the analyzed wind time, the Step 2
captured wind energy is not maximum. measuring MAV ωk, ωk-1 and calculation of kinetic energy,
ΔWKINETIC:
In order to operate at the maximum energy level, MAV ∆ = ∙ − ⁄2 = ∆ ∙∆ (36)
values need to be correlated with wind speed and moment of
inertia. In the present case, at V = 9.32 [m / s] and V = 9.08 Step 3
[m/s] MAV values are too high and V = 10.28 [m / s] MAV is Calculation of the optimal power at the PMSG:
too low, captured is not the maximum one. = − ∆ (37)
− −
B. Calculation of captured wind energy under optimum Based on the above results, a management system can be
conditionsnits designed to ensure optimal energy performance.
The captured wind energy is maximal in MPP. The algorithm for determining optimal power at PMSG is
Optimal WPS operation over a 20 [minute] time interval is based on wind speed and MAV measurements from the
achieved at the optimal MAV value generator, as described above.
= 17.863 ∙ (25) By analyzing several cases it was possible to determine the
or at the optimum speed basic sizes that lead to WPS's optimal functioning.
= 30⁄ ∙ 17.863 ∙ = 170.58 ∙ [ ] (26) Based on wind velocity values determine WOPTIM and
The same two cases are studied: measure MAV w from PMSG determine the power difference:
1. wind speed increases from 9.32 [m/s] to 10.28 [m/s] in 10 = / (38)
mins, resulting the wind energy which is done by controlling the converter between the
generator and the network, Figure 2.
−1 600 = 1.2852 ∙ 10 [ ]
9
− (27)
and the wind energy captured under optimal conditions:
−1 600 = 1.2932 ∙ 10 [ ]
9
− (28)
2. wind speed decreases from 10.28 [m/s] to 9.08 [m/s] in 10
mins
The wind energy captured during the time interval Δt = 600 [s]
−2 600 = 1.2518 ∙ 10 [ ]
9
− (29)
and the wind energy captured under optimal conditions:
−2 600 = 1.2481 ∙ 10 [ ]
9
− (30)
C. The algorithm for calculating the optimal power at PMSG
The optimal area, from the energy point of view, is defined by
the optimal MAV, ωOPTIM, obtained by measuring wind speed
V, at time tk:
= ∙ (31) Figure 2. The calculation of the optimal power at PMSG

The optimum power value, PPMSG-OPTIM, is at MAV= ωOPTIM,

This takes into account the evolution of wind speed over time
within the time interval Δt = tk - tk-1.
and can estimate the optimal power at PMSG.
On the time interval Δt by MAV measurement the kinetic
The calculation of optimal power at PMSG is based mainly on
energy, ΔWKINETIC:
∆ = ∙ − ⁄2 (32) measurements, knowing the optimal MAV, ωOPTIM.
where:
J - the equivalent moment of inertia; IV. CONCLUSIONS
ωk-MAV at time tk, ωk-1 -MAV at time tk-1, In the present paper we analyzed the operation of a wind
Δt = tk-tk-1, PWT-MED, PPMSG-MED - medium-mean powers over power system at a maximum power for rapid variations of wind
time interval Δt.
speed over time. Using the experimental data, the
In case of
ωk ≠ ωOPTIM mathematical models of the turbine, MM-WT and the
the GSMP load must be changed to: generator, MM-PMSG were determined. The dependence
= / (33) between the the optimal mechanical velocity MAV, (ωOPTIM)
Optimal generator power has the value: by wind speed has been calculated. By measuring the MAV
− = − − ∆ (34) and the power output from the permanent magnet synchronous
Algorithm for optimal power calculation generator, the value of the wind turbine power was determined.
Step 1 The measured values and the optimal values have been
measuring power at generator, PPMSG-INIT, wind speed, V, and
compared. In order to obtain maximum power from a wind
calculation of optimal MAV ωOPTIM
power system it is necessary that the MAV value is

permanently correlated with the value of the wind speed at the
time intervals chosen according to the values of the moment of
inertia J and the speed of changing in time of the wind speed.
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