Optimal wind turbine control supported with LIDAR sensor measurements

master thesis, 2017 

The increasing energy production by wind turbines is induced by the ever increasing growth in demand for electric energy. To meet those demands the efficiency of the energy production should be improved and the costs should be reduced. As a consequence, the wind turbine sizes are constantly increasing. Unfortunately, the aerodynamic loadings caused by a non-uniform wind distribution on the wind turbine rotor are consequently becoming an increasing concern. Since LIDAR systems can obtain a preview of wind measurements they can provide information about wind characteristics before the wind turbine is affected by it. In this thesis a Model Predictive Controller (MPC) is developed for optimal wind turbine control in order to maximize electrical energy production and reduce fatigue structural loads. The optimization problem utilizes preview LIDAR measurements. The designed controller is tested in Matlab coupled with FAST simulation software.

Keywords: wind turbine; structural loads; LIDAR; wind speed estimation; MPC; FAST