Implementation of MRAC controller of a DFIG based variable speed grid connected wind turbine

•Set-up of an experimental test emulating a wind turbine, driving a grid-connected conventional DFIG.•An optimal operation below rated speed is achieved by means of an appropriate maximum power-point tracking algorithm.•Design and implementation of an adaptive model reference controller (MRAC) of the active and reactive power regulation.

This paper presents the design and the implementation of a model reference adaptive control of the active and reactive power regulation of a grid connected wind turbine based on a doubly fed induction generator. This regulation is achieved below the synchronous speed, by means of a maximum power-point tracking algorithm. The experiment was conducted on a 1 kW didactic wound rotor induction machine in association with a wind turbine emulator. This implementation is realized using a dSPACE 1104 single-board control and acquisition interface. The obtained results show a permanent track of the available maximum wind power, under a chosen wind speed profile. Furthermore the proposed controller exhibits a smooth regulation of the stator active and reactive power amounts exchanged between the machine and the grid.