Wind turbine control with constraint handling: a model predictive control approach

This study presents a wind turbine controller able to handle both hard and soft constraints, typically on actuators but also on other components of the wind turbine, if needed. An issue especially relevant during extreme events or for under-dimensioned actuators. The presented controller is based on model predictive control, a control method well suited for constraint handling.

The performance of the presented controller during an extreme operating gust is compared to that of a proportional-integral controller with integrator anti-windup. Furthermore, the presented controller-s capability to operate in both partial and full load operation and to switch between the two modes of operation is demonstrated by additional test cases.