Robust VAWT control system evaluation by coupled aerodynamic and electrical simulations

Three different sets of control system parameters are tested, representing different tradeoffs between a high power absorption and achieving a fast control strategy with high stability. The simulations show that the three control strategies provide a similar power absorption as a reference strategy based on known wind speed. For dynamic simulations with fast changes in wind speed, the fast control strategies are beneficial. All control strategies are stable throughout the simulations when proper power absorption characteristics of the turbine are used. It is also shown that if peak power absorption is estimated at a too low tip speed ratio, the control strategies may inadvertently stop the turbine.