Robust adaptive direct speed control of PMSG-based airborne wind energy system using FCS-MPC method

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Control Engineering
• Electrical Machines

Background:

• Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES) offer higher efficiency than conventional turbines by accessing stronger, higher-altitude winds.
• Tethered Kite Generator Systems (TKGS) are key to harnessing this potential, requiring precise speed regulation of attached permanent synchronous machines (PMSM).
• Existing control methods often lack robustness and efficiency across varying operational conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel control scheme for optimizing the speed regulation of PMSM in AWES.
• To enhance power harvesting efficiency and system stability under dynamic operating conditions.
• To reduce current deformation and torque oscillations in the TKGS.

Main Methods:

• A finite-control-set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategy with a new cost function was implemented for PMSM speed tracking.
• A novel adaptive algorithm was developed to dynamically adjust cost function weight coefficients.
• A terminal sliding mode disturbance observer (TSMDO) was designed for load torque estimation, coupled with a terminal sliding mode speed controller (TSMSC).

Main Results:

• The proposed FCS-MPC scheme, integrated with adaptive tuning and TSMDO, significantly reduced current deformation and torque oscillations.
• The controller demonstrated robustness against parameter uncertainties and maintained performance across varied operating conditions.
• Simulations confirmed superior performance compared to traditional FCS-MPC, particularly in speed response and DC link voltage tracking.

Conclusions:

• The novel control scheme effectively optimizes PMSM speed regulation in AWES, leading to improved energy generation efficiency.
• The adaptive algorithm and disturbance observer enhance system robustness and dynamic performance.
• This approach offers a promising, efficient, and stable control solution for airborne wind energy applications.