Maximum Power Tracking for a Wind Energy Conversion System Using Cascade-Forward Neural Networks

The demand for wind turbines has been ultimately increased over the last decades. Accordingly, the power converter controller plays the primary role in extracting energy out of the generator, using efficient and reliable techniques as Maximum Power Extraction (MPE) and delivering the power to the grid. This research pursues to present a Cascade-Forward Neural Network (CFNN) MPE that maintains the MPE's advantages besides providing the flexibility of limiting the output power at significantly lower complexity in the control loop. The proposed strategy uses the cascade-forward neural network to learn the wind turbine's aerodynamic nonlinear dynamics and achieves accurate power tracking. Additionally, it reformulates the machine d-q axes voltages equations to operate the wind energy conversion systems (WECS) in optimal condition by considering the wind speed, air temperature, power demand, and disturbances. Furthermore, it does not require any tuning procedure. The power tracking performance of the recommended CFNN MPE controller is evaluated through several experimental and simulation tests in different situations, and all the results are matched with the manufacturer's datasheets and another proven strategy to confirm its effectiveness.