An Optimal Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for Wind Energy System in Microgrid

To increase the efficiency of a wind energy conversion system (WECS), the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is usually employed. This paper proposes an optimal MPPT algorithm which tracks a sudden wind speed change condition fast. The proposed method can be implemented without the prior information on the wind turbine parameters, generator parameters, air density or wind speed. By investigating the directions of changes of the mechanical output power in wind turbine and rotor speed of the generator, the proposed MPPT algorithm is able to determine an optimal speed to achieve the maximum power point. Then, this optimal speed is set to the reference of the speed control loop. As a result, the proposed MPPT algorithm forces the system to operate at the maximum power point by using a three-phase converter. The simulation results based on the PSIM are given to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.