Design of Maximum Power Point Tracking for Dynamic Power Response of Tidal Undersea Kite Systems
Journal article, 2020

The Tethered-Undersea-Kite (TUSK) represents a new electric power generation concept for harvesting energy from tidal currents, with higher power density compared to traditional static tidal turbines. However, the power and rotating speed of the turbine fluctuate periodically depending on the kite's motion in the sea creating an additional challenge for the speed control of the generator. The mathematical model of the system's power generation is developed. Two alternative Maximum-Power-Point-Tracking (MPPT) algorithms suitable for this application are designed. The electrical torque of the generator is controlled directly or a more accurate closed-loop speed controller is used. The turbine inertia creates an error between the optimal-reference power and the actual generated power. This error is evaluated experimentally for both MPPT-algorithms when fluctuating mechanical torque typical for the TUSK-system is applied on the generator. Experimental results on a 35kVA laboratory emulator are presented, where an accurate representation of the system dynamics and inertia are implemented.

variable speed drives

renewable energy sources

maximum power point trackers

marine technology

Kite-based tidal systems

rotating inertia

Author

Georgios Mademlis

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Electric Power Engineering

Yujing Liu

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Electric Power Engineering

Peiyuan Chen

Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Electric Power Engineering

Eric Singhroy

IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications

0093-9994 (ISSN) 1939-9367 (eISSN)

Vol. 56 2 2048-2060 8957613

Power Take-Off System for a Subsea Tidal Kite (PowerKite)

European Commission (EC) (EC/H2020/654438), 2016-01-01 -- 2018-06-30.

Subject Categories

Control Engineering

Other Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering

DOI

10.1109/TIA.2020.2966189

More information

Latest update

3/2/2022 3