An accelerated optimal torque method for wind turbine MPPT considering drive-train load

A class of improved methods for optimal torque (OT) control enhances the tracking ability of wind turbines, and thus wind energy capture, by expanding unbalanced torque during maximum power point tracking (MPPT). However, these methods cause frequent fluctuations in electromagnetic torque, leading to a significant increase in drive-train loads of wind turbines. It is found that torque compensation under wind speed variation causes additional electromagnetic torque fluctuations, which is the main reason for the above problem. To address this, an accelerated OT control method for wind turbines considering load effects is proposed in this paper. It suppresses additional electromagnetic torque fluctuations by utilizing a constant torque transition phase during wind speed variation. At the same time, it improves tracking capability during MPPT. This enhances the wind energy capture efficiency of wind turbines while avoiding load increase as much as possible. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed method significantly improves wind energy capture efficiency under various wind conditions and effectively suppresses the rise of drive-train loads.