Frequency Constrained MPC for Efficient Grid Side Operation of Wind Power Conversion Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a frequency-constrained MPC scheme for wind power converters that achieves fast dynamic response and constraint satisfaction with reduced computational complexity, enabling real-time grid-side operation.

Contribution

It proposes a novel indirect MPC formulation with frequency restrictions on decision variables, reducing computational load for real-time control of wind converters.

Findings

Fast response during faults

Maintains converter safety limits

Computationally efficient solution within microseconds

Abstract

Model predictive control (MPC) has proven its applicability in power conversion control with its fast dynamic response to reference changes while ensuring critical system constraints are satisfied. Even then, the computational burden still remains a challenge for many MPC variants. In this regard, this paper formulates an indirect MPC scheme for grid-side wind converters. A quadratic program with linear constraints is solved in a receding horizon fashion with a subsequent PWM modulator. To facilitate its solution within a few hundreds of microseconds, its decision variables (modulating signals) are restricted to a specific frequency content. This approach limits the increase in problem size due to horizon length. In case studies, the proposed MPC exhibits fast response in faults and operates the converter within its safety limits.