Efficiency maximization of wind turbines using data-driven Model-Free Adaptive Control

In this chapter, the problem of efficiency maximization of a wind turbine (WT) operating in the region of medium wind speed has been addressed using a data-driven control algorithm based on the Model-Free Adaptive Control. An equivalent dynamic linearization model is used, obtained adopting a dynamic linearization technique based on pseudopartial derivatives. The proposed algorithm is inspired by the very recent paper by Liu-Yang, where a data-driven adaptive sliding mode controller has been proposed to account also for prescribed performance constraints. A rigorous stability analysis is presented here, achieved modifying the forms of the sliding surface and of the control law but still retaining the main setup presented in the source paper. Validation of these techniques has been performed using the standard 5-MW WT by NREL, operating in the region of medium wind speed, using the recognized high-fidelity simulation tool FAST by NREL. Comparison data are reported.