While the pursuit of renewable energy continues to grow, power quality remains one of the foremost challenges for wind energy systems. New research highlights the development of the fractional-order third-order sliding mode control (FOTOSMC), which promises to significantly improve power quality for multi-rotor wind turbine (MRWT) systems connected to induction generators (IG).
This inherently complex task of controlling power production from these systems often leads to volatility and diminished power quality. The use of traditional direct power control (DPC) methods for induction generators has been limited by high total harmonic distortion (THD) and low robustness. Researchers sought to overcome these issues by designing FOTOSMC to provide refined control over active and reactive power outputs.
The innovative FOTOSMC method operates using reference values derived from the controllers, yielding improved dynamic performance and stability during simulations conducted under varying wind conditions.
Key findings from the research indicate substantial performance enhancements of active power and reactive power control. Specifically, the FOTOSMC approach achieved remarkable improvements relative to prior control methodologies, with THD reducing by 42.35% and improvement ratios for active and reactive power reaching 44.44% and 49.17%, respectively.
Crucially, the study revealed the economic viability of this control system when applied to wind energy conversion systems. The combination of FOTOSMC and pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy allows for greater adaptability to fluctuations, leading to enhanced energy quality and system reliability.
The FOTOSMC method was tested and verified through MATLAB simulations. Results highlighted the new approach’s superior performance compared to DPC, showcasing its robustness even under varying simulation conditions.
Standard DPC approaches have proven incapable of minimizing power ripples, which greatly hampers the efficiency of current induction generation systems. By mitigating these ripples and maintaining energy quality, the new control approach opens doors to more effective implementations of renewable energy sources.
While establishing its efficacy, the research projects FOTOSMC’s potential beyond wind energy, recommending its adoption for broader industrial applications where control over system dynamics is pivotal.
The findings encourage experts and practitioners within the renewable energy field to reevaluate their strategies when it involves induction generator systems and other related technologies, particularly as global dependence on sustainable energy sources increases.