electronics

Article
Neural Network Based Maximum Power Point
Tracking Control with Quadratic Boost Converter for
PMSG—Wind Energy Conversion System
Ramji Tiwari 1 ID , Kumar Krishnamurthy 1 , Ramesh Babu Neelakandan 1, * ID
,
Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban 2 ID and Patrick William Wheeler 3 ID
1 School of Electrical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore 632014, India; [email protected] (R.T.);
[email protected] (K.K.)
2 Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Esbjerg 6700, Denmark; [email protected]
3 Power Electronics and Motion Control (PEMC) Group, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,
Nottingham University, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +91-416-220-2467

Received: 22 December 2017; Accepted: 5 February 2018; Published: 9 February 2018

Abstract: This paper proposes an artificial neural network (ANN) based maximum power point
tracking (MPPT) control strategy for wind energy conversion system (WECS) implemented with a
DC/DC converter. The proposed topology utilizes a radial basis function network (RBFN) based
neural network control strategy to extract the maximum available power from the wind velocity.
The results are compared with a classical Perturb and Observe (P&O) method and Back propagation
network (BPN) method. In order to achieve a high voltage rating, the system is implemented with a
quadratic boost converter and the performance of the converter is validated with a boost and single
ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC). The performance of the MPPT technique along with a
DC/DC converter is demonstrated using MATLAB/Simulink.

Keywords: DC/DC converter; SEPIC converter; MPPT; RBFN; neural networks; permanent magnet
synchronous generator

1. Introduction
Recently, the demand for renewable based energy generation is a main focus due to an increase
in the price of conventional fossil fuels and predicted limited reserve capacity available for the
future. Of all available renewable energy resources, solar and wind based power production is
widely attracting the power producers and researchers [1]. Wind energy conversion system (WECS)
comprises of a wind turbine, generator and power conversion system, which converts the kinetic
energy present in the wind to electrical energy. The permanent magnet synchronous generator is
the most preferable wind generator due to the gear-less operation, compact size, low maintenance
cost, and simple control [2]. Currently, most of the wind turbines installed in the wind farms are of a
large scale. However, small-WECS can be installed in urban areas and remote locations for residential
applications where the power interconnection is impossible [3].
A wind energy system should extract maximum power from available wind speed to be an
efficient alternative power source. The power characteristic of a wind turbine is determined based on
the aerodynamic profile of the wind system [4]. The power characteristic specifies that there is a specific
optimum turbine speed for each wind speed where the maximum power is captured. To operate
the WECS at that specific point various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms have
been proposed in the literature [5–10]. The foremost controllers that are widely used are power signal
feedback (PSF), hill climb search (HCS) or perturb and observe (P&O), tip speed ratio (TSR), optimal

Electronics 2018, 7, 20; doi:10.3390/electronics7020020 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics

Electronics 2018, 7, 20 2 of 17

torque control (OTC) and soft-computing based techniques like fuzzy logic control (FLC) [11] and
artificial neural network (ANN) [12].
The power signal feedback method is the most classical method used to track the optimum
maximum point in wind energy conversion system [5]. The PSF method requires pre-knowledge
about the system. The obtained value is recorded in the look-up table, which is fed to the system.
The most advanced PSF based MPPT algorithm utilizes DC voltage and DC current of the rectifier,
which reduces the complexity and cost of implementation since the traditional method used the power
and shaft speed as input, which requires an addition speed measurement system. The optimal point is
tracked using the relation between the rectified outputs using the look-up table. Since the controller
requires pre-knowledge of the system, it is complex to implement.
The tip speed ratio based MPPT technique controls the speed of the shaft directly to maintain the
optimal tip speed, which is computed using wind speed and turbine speed [6]. The actual value is
fed to the TSR controller to obtain the peak point respective to the wind variation. The TSR controller
reduces the generator speed to minimize the error between the actual value and the optimal value.
Though the implementation of TSR controller is simple, the operation cost is expensive. This method
relies on the precise measurement of wind speed, which is the major challenge.
Optimal torque control method adjusts the generator torque according to the reference torque for
the given wind speed [7]. An optimal torque is defined for each wind speed, where the WECS extracts
the maximum power, which is termed as the reference torque signal. The reference torque signal is
compared with the actual torque and an error signal is generated, which is fed to the control unit to
maintain the optimal torque. The OTC based MPPT method is simple, efficient and fast. The major
setback of this controller is that it does not measure the wind speed directly. Thus, a rapid change in
the wind speed is not recorded for that instance, consequently making the control unstable during
rapid variations.
Perturb and observe (P&O) or Hill climb search (HCS) control algorithms are used where the
optimum relation of the system is defined [8]. The P&O method tracks the maximum point by
constantly varying the maximizing variable and observing the power captured. Based on the obtained
power variations with the perturb operation, the next perturbation size and direction is determined
until the algorithm attains the maximum point. The power–speed relation of a wind turbine is mostly
used as the control inputs for P&O based control algorithms. However, recently, many researchers
focus on the utilizing the DC-link voltage and current as the controller input and duty cycle for
the power electronic converters (PEC) as the output [9]. Thus, this reduces the system cost and
enhances the reliability by eliminating the use of speed sensors to measure the shaft speed. Wind speed
measurement and prior knowledge of the system is not needed in this algorithm, which further reduces
the cost and increases the system’s reliability and reduces its complexity. The major disadvantage
of the MPPT algorithm is the response time during rapid variation in the wind speed. The step size
of the P&O MPPT algorithm makes the operating point always oscillate around the maximum peak
point [10]. The implementation and the flaws of P&O will be further discussed in this article.
The soft-computing based MPPT controller like fuzzy logic controller (FLC) [11] and neural
network (NN) are developed to overcome the drawback of all above controllers [12]. They have a
faster response even in the rapid variations of wind speed. The accuracy of the soft-computing based
MPPT algorithm is also high in all the wind speed conditions. The FLC based MPPT controller requires
prior knowledge of the system and the control algorithm is complex. The back-propagation and radial
basis function based neural network are enhanced controllers that are used in nonlinear systems to
provide better stability. They have faster convergence and simple network structure [13–15].
The power electronic converter in WECS plays a vital role in optimizing and enhancing the output
voltage and power [16]. The DC–DC converter topology is used in the WECS to obtain the voltage of
the desired level. The topologies such as boost [17], buck-boost [18], single ended primary inductance
converter (SEPIC) [19] and Cuk converter [20] were extensively used by the researchers. Conventional
boost and buck-boost converters are commonly used in the literature for being simple and cost effective.
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 3 of 17
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 17

voltage and
However, thestress
WECS across
beingthe switch,
a high thusapplication
voltage reducing the efficiency
increases theand riskingvoltage
switching the failure
and of switching
stress across
conversion
the process
switch, thus [21]. The
reducing theQuadratic
efficiency Boost converter
and risking is a type
the failure of of dual boost
switching converter,
conversion which[21].
process has
an advantage of limiting stress across switch and inrush current to the converter
The Quadratic Boost converter is a type of dual boost converter, which has an advantage of limiting is proposed in this
paper.across switch and inrush current to the converter is proposed in this paper.
stress
The major
The majorcontribution
contributionof of thisthis article
article is implementation
is the the implementation soft‐computing
soft-computing based artificial
based artificial neural
neural network (ANN) MPPT controller. The back‐propagation network
network (ANN) MPPT controller. The back-propagation network (BPN) and radial basis function (BPN) and radial basis
function network (RBFN) based ANN controller is employed to extract
network (RBFN) based ANN controller is employed to extract the maximum power from the available the maximum power from
the available
wind speed. Thewind speed. Theof
performances performances of the MPPT
the MPPT controllers controllers
with PEC with PEC
are analyzed and are analyzed
validated and
using a
validated using a boost, SEPIC, and proposed Quadratic boost converter. The
boost, SEPIC, and proposed Quadratic boost converter. The efficiency of the system is validated in the efficiency of the system
is validated
different windin the
speed different wind
condition andspeed
alsocondition
during rapidand also duringFor
variation. rapid variation.
providing theFor
realproviding
time datatheof
real time data of wind turbine, the AEOLOS‐H
wind turbine, the AEOLOS-H 3kW system parameter is considered. 3kW system parameter is considered.
The paper
The paper is is organized
organized as as follows:
follows: Section
Section 22 discusses
discusses thethe modeling
modeling of of aa wind
wind turbine
turbine and
and wind
wind
generator. Section
generator. Section 33 describes
describes the
the different
different types
types of of MPPT
MPPT controller
controller like
like P&O,
P&O, BPN,
BPN, and
and RBFN
RBFN used
used
in this article. Section 4 discusses the PEC like boost and SEPIC converter
in this article. Section 4 discusses the PEC like boost and SEPIC converter and their performance. and their performance.
Section 55 shows
Section shows the the performance
performance of of WECS
WECS withwith different
different MPPT
MPPT algorithms
algorithms for for boost,
boost, SEPIC
SEPIC and
and
Quadratic converter
Quadratic converter under
under different
different wind
wind speeds,
speeds,and andthe
theconclusions
conclusionswere weredrawn
drawnin inSection
Section6.6.

2. WECS Configuration
2. Configuration
The schematic
The schematicofofWECSWECStoto which
which MPPT
MPPT algorithm
algorithm willwill be applied
be applied is shown
is shown in Figure
in Figure 1. The1.wind
The
wind turbine is directly coupled to the wind generator. The permanent magnet
turbine is directly coupled to the wind generator. The permanent magnet synchronous generator synchronous
generator
(PMSG) is (PMSG) is used
used in this in this
paper. Thepaper.
PMSGThe hasPMSG has an advantage
an advantage of gearlessofoperation,
gearless operation, and it is
and it is coupled
coupledtodirectly
directly to the
the turbine, turbine,
which which
reduces reduces
the size the size and
and complexity complexity
of the of the
system. The loadsystem. Thetoload
connected the
connected
power to thecan
converter power converter
be replaced by a can
unitybepower
replaced byinverter
factor a unityforpower
a grid factor inverter
integration for In
system. a grid
this
integration
paper, resistorsystem.
load isInused
thisfor
paper, resistor system
a standalone load is application.
used for a standalone system
The parameters application.
of the The
wind turbine
parameters of the wind turbine and generator
and generator are chosen as the AEOLOS-H 3 kW system. are chosen as the AEOLOS‐H 3 kW system.

L D
D1 D3 D5
VDC C
C S R

Wind D4 D6 D2
Generator

Rectifier Boost Converter

Figure 1.
Figure 1. Basic
Basic configuration
configuration of
of wind
wind energy
energy conversion
conversion system
system (WECS).
(WECS).

2.1. Wind Turbine Model

2.1. Wind Turbine Model
The mechanical power ( ) of wind is expressed defined as [22]:
The mechanical power (PPmm ) of wind is expressed defined as [22]:
11
=2 π ρRR2 VVs3s,
3
Pmm 
2
P (1)
(1)
2 ,
whereρ 
where is the
is the air density,
air density, R radius
R is the is the of
radius of the turbine,
the turbine, and Vs isand V s isspeed.
the wind the wind
The speed. The actual
actual mechanical
power (P ) captures by the wind blade can be expressed as:
a power ( P ) captures by the wind blade can be expressed as:
mechanical a

11 2 33
λ,), 
PPaa = 2π ρ RR 2VVss CCp (pβ, (2)
(2)
2 ,
where C p ( β, λ) is power coefficient, which is a nonlinear function of pitch angle β and tip speed ratio
whereλ,Cwhich
(TSR)
( )
p  ,  isisdescribed as [23], which is a nonlinear function of pitch angle  and tip speed
power coefficient,
ratio (TSR)  , which is described as [23],
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 4 of 17

 −21( 1 )
1 λi
C p (λ, β) = 0.5176 116 − 0.4β − 5 + 0.0068λ, (3)
λi

1 1 0.035
= , (4)
λi λ + 0.08β β3 + 1
λ = Rωr /Vω , (5)

where ωr is the rotational speed of a WECS system.

The total mechanical torque Tm generated by the wind turbine is expressed as [24]:

1 2 3
2 π ρ R Vs C p ( β, λ )
Tm = . (6)
ωr

2.2. PMSG Model

The mechanical torque ( Tm ) and electrical torque ( Te ) of a three-phase PMSG generator used in
this study are expressed as [25]:
Pm
Tm = , (7)
ωr
2Pe
Te = , (8)
ωr n p
where Pm , Pe are mechanical and electrical power obtained, respectively. ωr denotes mechanical
rotational speed and n p represents number of poles used in PMSG. In general, the dynamic motion of
PMSG generator is represented as

dωr
Te = Jeq + Dωr + Tm . (9)
dt
Here, D represents the rotational damping and Jeq represents the equivalent inertia of wind
turbine and generator.

3. MPPT Technique
The MPPT technique is implemented to extract the maximum power from available wind speed
by tracking the peak point. In this paper, the DC-link voltage is used to track the maximum power
point and generates the appropriate duty cycle for the switch in the DC–DC converter as shown in
Figure 2.2018,
Electronics The7,MPPT algorithm
x FOR PEER implemented in this paper are described below.
REVIEW 5 of 17

DC-DC
Wind

Rectifier Load
Converter
IDC VDC
Wind
Generator MPPT PWM
Strategies Generation

Figure 2.
Figure 2. Proposed
Proposed topology
topology of
of maximum
maximum power
power point
point tracking (MPPT) and
tracking (MPPT) and DC/DC
DC/DC converter.
converter. PWM:
PWM:
Pulse Width Modulation
Pulse Width Modulation

3.1. Perturb and Observe Algorithm

The P&O algorithm is the simplest and classical form of sensorless MPPT control technique
present in the literature. The flowchart of P&O control system is shown in Figure 3. The direction of
perturbation depends upon the change in observed power variable. The step size of the perturbation
in P&O determines the efficiency and the convergence speed of the algorithm. Hence, fixed step size
P&O algorithms are not implemented in the recent system since they deteriorate the overall
performance of the system [26]. The convergence speed of P&O algorithm can be enhanced when
large perturbation step size is used, but the efficiency of the MPPT is depreciated. The smaller step
 IDC VDC
Wind
Generator MPPT PWM
Strategies Generation

Figure
Electronics 2. Proposed
2018, 7, 20 topology of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and DC/DC converter. PWM:5 of 17
Pulse Width Modulation

3.1. Perturb and

3.1. Perturb and Observe
Observe Algorithm
Algorithm
The
The P&O
P&O algorithm
algorithm is is the
the simplest
simplest and and classical
classical form
form ofof sensorless
sensorless MPPT
MPPT control
control technique
technique
present
present in the literature. The flowchart of P&O control system is shown in Figure 3. The
in the literature. The flowchart of P&O control system is shown in Figure 3. The direction
direction ofof
perturbation
perturbationdepends
dependsupon uponthe thechange
changeininobserved
observedpowerpowervariable.
variable. The
Thestep
stepsize of of
size thethe
perturbation
perturbation in
P&O
in P&Odetermines
determines thethe efficiency andand
efficiency the convergence
the convergence speed of theofalgorithm.
speed Hence,
the algorithm. fixedfixed
Hence, step size
stepP&O
size
algorithms are not implemented in the recent system since they deteriorate
P&O algorithms are not implemented in the recent system since they deteriorate the overall the overall performance of
the system [26].
performance of The convergence
the system speed
[26]. The of P&O algorithm
convergence speed ofcan P&Obe enhanced
algorithmwhencan be large perturbation
enhanced when
step size is used, but the efficiency of the MPPT is depreciated. The smaller
large perturbation step size is used, but the efficiency of the MPPT is depreciated. The smaller step step size is implemented to
improve the system efficiency, but the convergence speed to track the
size is implemented to improve the system efficiency, but the convergence speed to track the maximum power point (MPP) is
low. Thus, to
maximum overcome
power point this,
(MPP) anisadaptive
low. Thus, steptosize P&O algorithm
overcome is developed
this, an adaptive where
step size P&O thealgorithm
step size isis
altered according to the demand and the perturbation variable. In adaptive
developed where the step size is altered according to the demand and the perturbation variable. step size, the large stepIn
size is implemented
adaptive step size, the when
largethe stepoperating point is far away
size is implemented whenfrom the MPP point
the operating and small
is farstep
away size when
from the
the operating point is close enough to MPP. With the implementation
MPP and small step size when the operating point is close enough to MPP. With the implementation of adaptive step size, the P&O
algorithm
of adaptivecan stepachieve
size, the faster
P&O convergence
algorithm can speed and high
achieve fasterefficiency.
convergence However,
speed theandwindhigh velocity
efficiency.is
highly
However, nonlinear
the wind in velocity
nature. The ratednonlinear
is highly voltage isinconsidered
nature. Theasrated
380 V. Thus, isthe
voltage computation
considered time
as 380 V.
for the P&O is not sufficient enough to compute the corresponding duty
Thus, the computation time for the P&O is not sufficient enough to compute the corresponding duty cycle, which misleads the
perturbation direction the
cycle, which misleads [10].perturbation direction [10].

Read
V(t), I(t)

ΔI=I(t)-I(t-Δt)
ΔV=V(t)-V(t-Δt)

NO YES
ΔV=0

YES
YES YES
ΔI/ΔV=I/V ΔI>0

NO NO

ΔI/ΔV>I/V ΔI>0

NO YES YES NO

Decrease Increase Increase Decrease

Vref Vref Vref Vref

I(t)=I(t-Δt)
V(t)=V(t-Δt)

Return

Figure 3. Flowchart of Perturb and Observe (P&O) based MPPT control strategy.
Figure 3. Flowchart of Perturb and Observe (P&O) based MPPT control strategy.

Figure 3 represents a step-by-step procedure of the P&O based MPPT algorithm to track the
maximum available from the wind system. The generated voltage and current are used as the control
parameters. The obtained values are calculated using the previous step output to obtain the rate of
change in voltage and current. If there is no change in obtained voltage, the rate of change of current is
validated. If the voltage is in a positive direction, then the same duty cycle is used; otherwise, the duty
cycle is increased or decreased based on the comparison of obtained current and previous step current.
The perturbation frequency for the proposed system is considered as 0.1 Hz with a maximum step
change of 10 V.
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 6 of 17

3.2. Back Propagation Algorithm

Feed forward neural network is most significant and a widely used artificial neural network.
The ANN considered in this paper is trained by the back propagation (BP) using the Levenberg–
Marquardt (LM) based optimization technique. LM is one of the most supervised learning algorithms
for the feed-forward neural network [27]. The back propagation neural network (BPNN) provides a
desired output based on the input based on the training and weight parameters.
In this paper, BPNN uses output DC voltage and current as the input variable and generates duty
cycle to control the switch of DC/DC converter in order to obtain desired performance [28]. The BPN
is trained with two hidden layers; thus, they have four layers: an input layer, hidden layer I, hidden
layer II and an output layer. The nodal operation of BPN is processed in these layers. The modeling of
each layer is described as follows [29].
The input signal given to the BPN is denoted as x and y as the targeted output. Then, the matrix
of the input and output signal is represented as
h i
x= x1 x2 x3 ...... xn , (10)
h i
y= y1 y2 y3 ...... yn . (11)

The samples of the matrix of input signal are taken as 820 by 2, and output signal as 820 by 1.
The input signals of the system are processed in this layer. This layer calculates the value z, which
is fed into the next layer. This layer determines the minimum and maximum values of x and y:

z = ( x − xmin )k + ymin , (12)

where k is the gain that is given by

ymax − ymin
k= . (13)
xmax − xmin
The output of input layer z is given as input in this layer. The weight w1 and bias b1 are calculated
in the training period. The output of hidden layer I h1 is given as

h1 = (zw1 + b1 )log sigmoid. (14)

This control strategy is designed for three neurons; thus, the dimension of weight matrix is 820
by 3. In addition, the bias matrix is calculated as 2 by 3.
The output of hidden layer h1 is given as the input for hidden layer II. The weight and bias of this
layer are considered as w2 and b2 , respectively. The output of hidden layer II h2 is given as

h2 = (h1 w2 + b2 )log sigmoid. (15)

The corresponding duty cycle ratio is obtained in the output layer. The input of this layer h2 is
subjected to reverse mapping to achieve the desired output. The output of this layer D is processed to
feed as the input to the wind turbine:

D = (h2 − ymin )k + xmin . (16)

Thus, using the above control strategy, a corresponding duty cycle ratio for DC/DC converter is
obtained based on the wind speed.

3.3. Radial Basis Function Network Algorithm

RBFN is a type of feed-forward neural network, which uses radial basis network as an activation
function [13]. The radial basis network is configured using the distance between the input and the
 2 min min . (16)

Thus, using the above control strategy, a corresponding duty cycle ratio for DC/DC converter is
obtained based on the wind speed.

3.3. Radial
Electronics 2018, Basis
7, 20 Function Network Algorithm 7 of 17
RBFN is a type of feed‐forward neural network, which uses radial basis network as an activation
function [13]. The radial basis network is configured using the distance between the input and the
prototype vector. The training process of the RBFN network is performed in two stages. In the initial
prototype vector. The training process of the RBFN network is performed in two stages. In the initial
stage, the unsupervised method is implemented where the parameter is governed by the radial basis
stage, the unsupervised method is implemented where the parameter is governed by the radial basis
function. In the second stage, the supervised training method is employed to train the weights [14].
function. In the second stage, the supervised training method is employed to train the weights [14].
TheThe
supervised
supervised training method
training method is is
the
thesame
sameasasthe
theback
backpropagation
propagation algorithm [16].
algorithm [16].
In this paper, RBFN is employed to generate the duty cycle for the converter.
In this paper, RBFN is employed to generate the duty cycle for the converter. Generated Generatedvoltage
voltage
andand
current is fed
current to to
is fed thethe
input neurons
input neuronsofofthe theRBFN,
RBFN,which
which isis used to compute
used to computethe theduty
dutycycle
cycleasasthe
the
output neuron. The basic nodes of operation are characterized by three layers, namely,
output neuron. The basic nodes of operation are characterized by three layers, namely, input layer, a input layer,
a hidden
hiddenlayer
layerand
andouter
outerlayer
layer as shown in in Figure
Figure44[13].
[13].

Input Hidden Output

Layer Layer Layer
i j k

yi1 wj
x11
VDC
yj2 yk3
x11
IDC Duty
x11 Cycle

Radial Basic Function

Figure
Figure 4. 4. Radial
Radial basisfunction
basis functionnetwork
network(RBFN)
(RBFN) based
based MPPT
MPPT technique.
technique.

The inputs of two neurons in this layer are transmitted directly to the consecutive layer. The net
The inputs of two neurons in this layer are transmitted directly to the consecutive layer. The net
input and output in this layer are expressed as
input and output in this layer are expressed as
net i1  xi1  N  )

net1i 1= xi1 ( N )1
1 i 1
 1 i

y  N   f i net  N
  net  N i 1,2 ,
1
,
1
1i
(17)
(17)
yi ( N ) = f i neti ( N ) = neti ( N ) i =1,2
1 1 1
where x is the input layer which consists of x1 as the wind speed and x 21 as the generator speed.
i
where xi1 is1 the input layer which consists of x11 as the wind speed 1
and x2 as the generator speed.
The 1net
The neti represents
i represents the net sum of nodes of input layer and
the net sum of nodes of input layer and yi is 1y is the output
i the output ofofinput
inputlayer,
layer,which
which is
is fetched
fetched to a hidden
to a hidden layerlayer
withwith respect
respect to node
to node i. i .
The neurons in the hidden layer perform aaGaussian
The neurons in the hidden layer perform Gaussian function
function that
that is
is used
usedas asthe
themembership
membership
function in RBFN. The net input and output of hidden layer are
function in RBFN. The net input and output of hidden layer are expressed as expressed as

net22j N  
net j ( N ) =
 X M j
T X M
T
X M j ∑ X M j j 
 ∑
 


jj
(18)(18)
   
,
y 2j)=
N fj2 fnet j ( Nj ) N=
 expexpnetnet2j (2jNN)  
  
2 2 2
y2j ( N j net

j j1=
,21,2,...,800
,...,800
,
 T
where M j = m1j , m2j , ......, mij is the Gaussian function mean and the standard deviation of the
h iT
Gaussian function is denoted as ∑ = diag 1/σ1j 2 , 1/σ2 , ........., 1/σ2 .
2j ij
j
The output layer computes a single neuron, which is determined by node k. The duty cycle is
generated in this layer by summing the all the incoming signals with linear activation function:

net3k = ∑ w j y2j ( N )


j , (19)
y3k ( N ) = f ki3 net3k ( N ) = net3k ( N ) = β re f



where w j is the weight, which interlinks a hidden layer with the output layer.
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 8 of 17

The supervised learning is implemented once the RBFN is initialized to train the system.
The training method is similar to that of back propagation algorithm, which adjusts the RBFN
parameters using the training patterns. The error of each layer is computed and updated by the
supervised learning algorithm in order to track the performance of wind system and act appropriately.

4. Converter Modelling
The converter is employed in WECS in order to enhance the generated voltage to the desired high
voltage as per the load requirement. The DC/DC converter implemented in this paper is a converter
from 230 V generator voltages to 380 V, which is the standard bus voltage for a DC microgrid. In this
paper, boost converter, single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) and fused SEPIC-voltage
doubler are implemented, which are described in this section.

4.1. Boost Converter

The boost converter is used to obtain high continuous output voltage than the input voltage.
The voltage of the desired value can be obtained using a boost converter [16]. Boost is the basic
conventional DC/DC converter, which is operated using a single switch. The boost converter [30].
consists of an inductor, capacitor, a switch and a diode for its operation as shown in Figure 5 .When the
switch is turned ON, the diode gets reversed biased; thus, the current starts increasing charging the
inductor; and a capacitor supports the load. When the switch is turned OFF, the diode becomes
forward biased and the inductor current starts decreasing; the capacitor charge starts increasing: both
inductor and DC source supports the capacitor and the load. The modelling of boost converter is as
follows [30]:
Vi
Vo = , (20)
1−D
where Vo and Vi are the output voltage and input voltage, respectively. D refers to the duty cycle.
The inductor and capacitor of the boost converter is calculated by

Vimin
L= × D, (21)
∆IL × f s

Io × D
Cs = . (22)
∆Vcs × f s
The ON–OFF period of the switch in boost converter is slow. Wind speed, which is highly
nonlinear, fails to provide sufficient input to the boost controller to track the maximum power point.
The switching losses of boost converter are high due to frequent ON–OFF of the switch [30]. The rapid
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 17
variation in wind speed also increases the stress across the switch.

L
D

S C0 R Vout
Vin

Figure
Figure5.
5.Configuration
Configurationof
ofBoost
Boostconverter.
converter.

4.2.
4.2. SEPIC
SEPICConverter
Converter
SEPIC
SEPIC converter is aacategory
converter is categoryofofthe
thebuck-boost
buck‐boost converter,
converter, which
which follows
follows bothboth the boost
the boost and
and buck
buck operation. Since wind speed is intermittent in nature, it may exceed an above‐rated wind
operation. Since wind speed is intermittent in nature, it may exceed an above-rated wind speed; thus, aspeed;
thus,
SEPICa SEPIC converter
converter is operated
is operated in buckinmode
buckduring
mode during that condition,
that condition, whereas,
whereas, in aconverter,
in a boost boost converter,
WECS
WECS is subjected to a stall condition. SEPIC can maintain the output voltage to optimal value
irrespective of the input voltage without any polarity reversal.
A SEPIC converter consists of a switch, dual inductors, dual capacitors and a diode as shown in
Figure 6. SEPIC converter operates in balancing mode; the diode gets reversed biased when the
switch is in an ON condition [31]. Inductor L1 starts storing the charge, whereas the capacitor Cdc
supports the load where the charge is transferred through inductor L2 and capacitor Co. When the
 SEPIC converter is a category of the buck‐boost converter, which follows both the boost and
buck operation. Since wind speed is intermittent in nature, it may exceed an above‐rated wind speed;
thus, a SEPIC converter is operated in buck mode during that condition, whereas, in a boost converter,
WECS is subjected to a stall condition. SEPIC can maintain the output voltage to optimal value
irrespective of7,the
Electronics 2018, 20 input voltage without any polarity reversal. 9 of 17
A SEPIC converter consists of a switch, dual inductors, dual capacitors and a diode as shown in
Figure 6. SEPIC converter operates in balancing mode; the diode gets reversed biased when the
is subjected
switch is in to
ana ON
stallcondition
condition.[31].
SEPIC can maintain
Inductor thestoring
L1 starts output voltage to optimal
the charge, whereasvalue
theirrespective
capacitor Cof dc
the input voltage without any polarity reversal.
supports the load where the charge is transferred through inductor L2 and capacitor Co. When the
switch A is
SEPIC
in OFFconverter consists
state, the diodeof a switch,
becomes dual inductors,
forward biased. Thedualenergy
capacitors
that and a diode
is stored as shownL1
in inductor in
Figure 6. SEPIC converter operates in balancing mode; the diode gets reversed
charges the capacitor Cdc. The current ripple during the buck mode operation of a SEPIC converterbiased when the switch
is in an ON
(during windcondition
speed above[31]. rated
Inductor L1 starts
value) storing
is lower when the charge, whereas
compared the capacitor
with another Cdc supports
conventional the
converter.
loadsoft‐computing
The where the charge is transferred
commutation of through converterLcan
a SEPIC inductor 2 and enhancedCwhen
becapacitor o . When
thethe switch
system is in OFF
is included
state, the diode becomes forward biased. The energy that is stored in inductor
with a protective device like snubber circuit. The capacitor Cdc increases the gain of the L1 charges the capacitor
SEPIC
Cdc . The current
converter as theyripple during the
get charged buckboost
during modeoperation,
operation of a SEPIC
which converter
is reflected in(during windduring
the output speed
above rated value) is lower when compared with another conventional converter.
commutation period. The duty cycle and parasitic element of a SEPIC converter are designed as The soft-computing
commutation
follows [32]: of a SEPIC converter can be enhanced when the system is included with a protective
device like snubber circuit. The capacitor Cdc increases the gain of the SEPIC converter as they get
Vo output during commutation period. The duty
charged during boost operation, which is reflected D  in the (23)
i  Vo ,
cycle and parasitic element of a SEPIC converter V are designed as follows [32]:

VV
o
=
L1  L2 D ,
L Vi + Vi min D (23)
(24)
 I L o f s ,
V
L1 = L2 = L =I  imin × D, (24)
o∆I LD× fs
C  (25)
V  f
dc
Iocs× D s ,
Cdc = , (25)
∆Vcs × f s
Io  D
Co  Io × D (26)
Co = Vripple  0.5  f s , (26)
Vripple × 0.5 × f s ,
where Voo and
where Vii are
and V are the
the output and input
input voltages, respectively.fsfsisisthe
voltages,respectively. theswitching
switchingfrequency.
frequency.Io Iand IL
o and

Iare the
L are output
the outputcurrent and
current inductor
and ripple
inductor current.
ripple Vripple
current. Vripplerefers
referstotoripple
ripplebetween
betweenthe
thevoltage
voltageand
and DDis
the
is duty
the dutycycle.
cycle.

iL1
L1
Cdc D

S C0 R Vout
Vin L2
iL2

Figure
Figure6.
6.Configuration
Configurationof
ofaasingle
singleended
endedprimary
primary inductance
inductance converter
converter (SEPIC)
(SEPIC) converter.
converter.

4.3. Quadratic Boost Converter

Quadratic refers to combining of two series converters and eliminating the need for a second
switch. The quadratic boost converter (QBC) is similar to a cascaded boost converter, which is used to
obtain a high voltage conversion ratio. The cascaded boost converter requires a dual control strategy
to control dual switch, whereas QBC requires only a single control strategy, since they have only one
switch. QBC eliminates the requirement of the additional driver circuit and thus further enhances
the output voltage by minimizing the losses [33]. Thus, QBC is used for many renewable energy
applications. QBC requires two inductors, three diodes, two capacitors and a single switch as shown in
Figure 7. QBC operates similarly to boost converters. When the switch is turned ON, both the diodes
(d1 and d2 ) are in a reversed biased condition and the input current flows through the parallel diode
(d3 ) and inductor (L1 ). The load is supplied using the capacitor (Co ). The inductor (L2 ) is supplied using
the capacitor (Cdc ). When the switch is turned to the OFF condition, the diodes (d1 and d2 ) are in the
forward biased state. The diode (d3 ) is reversed biased. The inductors (L1 and L2 ) supply the energy to
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 10 of 17

the load. Simultaneously, the capacitors (C1 and C2 ) are charged using the inductors. The modellings
of parameters of QBC are as follows [34–36]:

Vi
Vo = . (27)
(1 − D )2

The inductors are selected as follows:

Vimin
L1 = × D, (28)
2 × ∆IL1 × f s

Io
∆IL1 = , (29)
(1 − D )2
Vimin
L2 = × D, (30)
2 × ∆IL2 × f s
Io
∆IL(n) = . (31)
(1 − D )
The capacitors in QBC are selected as

Io × D
Cdc = , (32)
(1 − D )∆Vc1 × f s

Vi
Vc1 = , (33)
(1 − D )
Io × D
Co = , (34)
∆Vc2 × f s
Vc1
Vc2 = . (35)
(1 − D )
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 17

D3
L1 L2 D2

D1

Vin
Cdc S C0 Vout

Figure 7. Configuration of Quadratic Boost Converter.

Converter.

The notations
The notations of
of the
the parameters
parameters are
are the
the same
same as
as denoted
denoted for
for the
the boost
boost converter.
converter.

5. Results and Discussion

In this section, the WECS is implemented along with P&O, BPN and RBFN control strategies for
powerconverters
different power converterssuchsuch as Boost,
as Boost, SEPIC,SEPIC, and Quadratic‐Boost
and Quadratic-Boost and simulated
and simulated in MATLAB/ in
MATLAB/Simulink
Simulink software
software (R2017a, (R2017a,Bangalore,
Mathworks, Mathworks, Bangalore,
Karnataka, India,Karnataka, India, 2017).
2017). The performance The
of each
performance
MPPT of each
technique with MPPT technique
different DC/DC with different
converters DC/DC for
is validated converters
rapid and is inconsistent
validated forwind
rapid and
speed.
inconsistent
To get the realwind
time speed. To get analysis,
wind turbine the real time wind turbine
the parameters analysis,
of Aeolos thesystem
3 kW parameters
designof(Lotus
AeolosEnergy
3 kW
system design
Technology, (Lotus Energy
Qingdao, Technology,
China) are utilized inQingdao,
this paperChina) are utilized
as mentioned in this
in Table 1. paper as mentioned
The overall simulationin
Table 1. The
diagram for overall simulation
RBFN based diagram
quadratic forconverter
boost RBFN based quadratic
is shown boost converter
in Figure 8. is shown in Figure 8.

Table 1. Parameters of Aeolos 3 kW system. PMSG: permanent magnet synchronous generator.

Parameters Ratings
Rated Power 3 kW
Rated wind speed 12 m/s
Cut‐in wind speed 3.0 m/s
 MATLAB/Simulink software (R2017a, Mathworks, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 2017). The
performance of each MPPT technique with different DC/DC converters is validated for rapid and
inconsistent wind speed. To get the real time wind turbine analysis, the parameters of Aeolos 3 kW
system design (Lotus Energy Technology, Qingdao, China) are utilized in this paper as mentioned in
Table 1. The overall simulation diagram for RBFN based quadratic boost converter is shown in Figure 8.
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 11 of 17

Table 1. Parameters of Aeolos 3 kW system. PMSG: permanent magnet synchronous generator.

Table 1. Parameters of Aeolos Parameters
3 kW system. PMSG: permanent magnet synchronous generator.
Ratings
Rated Power 3 kW
Parameters Ratings
Rated wind speed 12 m/s
Ratedwind
Cut‐in Powerspeed 33.0
kWm/s
Rated wind speed 12 m/s
Cut‐out wind speed 25 m/s
Cut-in wind speed 3.0 m/s
Frequency
Cut-out wind speed 25 50
m/sHz
Voltage
Frequency 220–240
50 Hz V
Voltage
Rotor diameter 220–240 V
5.0 m
Rotor diameter 5.0 m
Generator type Three phase PMSG
Generator type Three phase PMSG
Stator phase Resistance
Stator phase Resistance 0.425
0.425 ΩΩ
Armature Inductance
Armature Inductance 0.000835 H H
0.000835
Number of Poles
Number of Poles 4 4
Rotor blade radius
Rotor blade radius 2.4 mm
2.4

D3
L1 L2 D2

D1

Vin
Cdc S C0 R Vout

I0 V0

Duty Cycle
Pulse
VDC
Generation

Figure8.8.Simulation
Figure Simulationconfiguration
configurationofofproposed
proposedtopology.
topology.

The parameters of Boost converter, SEPIC converter and Quadratic Boost converter used in this
study are shown in Table 2. The MPPT control strategy adapted in this paper are approximated to
overcome the nonlinearity of the system and also to extract the maximum available power at the
particular wind speed. Wind speed pattern that is used in this research paper is highly intermittent in
nature and a key parameter for the MPPT control strategy is shown in Figure 9. The average wind
speed of 12 m/s is considered for this paper, which is also the rated wind speed. The MPPT control
algorithm is utilized for the both the operating region (below-rated wind speed and above-rated wind
speed). The MPPT extracts the maximum available power from the available wind velocity when the
wind speed is below the rated value. In addition, during the higher wind speed region, the MPPT
control strategy tends to optimize the voltage and power of the WECS to the rated value.

Table 2. Parameters of boost, sepic and quadratic boost converters.

Components/Converters Boost SEPIC Quadratic Boost Converter

Inductor 146.11 µH 63.52 mH L1 = 77.3 µH, L2 = 99.73 µH
Output Capacitor 27.875 µF 16.86 mF 0.19 µF
Capacitor NA 33.752 mF 0.31 µF
Diode 390 V/27.875 A 390 V/27.875 A 390 V/27.875 A
Switching frequency 24 kHz 24 kHz 24 kHz
SEPIC: single ended primary inductance converter.
 Components/Converters Boost
Table 2. Parameters of boost, sepic andSEPIC Quadratic
quadratic boost Boost Converter
converters.
Inductor 146.11 μH 63.52 mH L1 = 77.3 μH, L2 = 99.73 μH
Components/Converters
Output Capacitor BoostμF
27.875 SEPIC
16.86 mF Quadratic0.19Boost
μFConverter
Inductor
Capacitor 146.11
NA μH 63.52 mH
33.752 mF L1 = 77.3 μH, L2 = 99.73 μH
0.31 μF
Output Capacitor
Diode 39027.875 μF A 39016.86
V/27.875 mF A
V/27.875 390 0.19 μF A
V/27.875
Capacitor
Switching
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 frequency 24NA
kHz 33.752 mF
24 kHz 0.31 μF
24 kHz 12 of 17
Diode 390 V/27.875 A 390 V/27.875 A 390 V/27.875 A
SEPIC: single ended primary inductance converter.
Switching frequency 24 kHz 24 kHz 24 kHz
SEPIC:
18 single ended primary inductance converter.

(m/s) (m/s)
16
18

SpeedSpeed
14
16
12
14

Wind Wind
10
12
8
100 1 2 4 5 36 7 8 9 10
8 Time (Sec)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Figure 9. Wind
Timespeed
(Sec)input pattern.
Figure 9. Wind speed input pattern.
Figure
Simulation studies for the rapid wind9. Wind speedare
variations input pattern. for Boost, SEPIC, and Quadratic‐
performed
Simulation studies
Boost converter for the
for different rapid
MPPT wind
control variations
strategies areBPN,
like P&O, performed
and RBFNfor Boost,
to test SEPIC, and
their accuracy.
Simulation studies for the rapid wind variations are performed for Boost, SEPIC, and Quadratic‐
The results of
Quadratic-Boost the different
converter DC/DC converter
for different with different
MPPT control strategiesMPPT control
like P&O, strategies
BPN, are shown
and RBFN to testintheir
Boost converter for different MPPT control strategies like P&O, BPN, and RBFN to test their accuracy.
Figures
accuracy. The10results
and 11. of the different DC/DC converter with different MPPT control strategies are
The results of the different DC/DC converter with different MPPT control strategies are shown in
shown in Figures
Figures 10 and1011.
and 11.
400 400

300 300 390

(V) (V)
(V) (V)

400 400
400 380

VoltageVoltage
VoltageVoltage

200 350 200 390

300 300 370
400
300 360
380
100 P&O 100 1 1.5 2 P&O
200 350 1 1.5 2 BPN 200 370 BPN
RBFN RBFN
0 300 0 360
1000 11 2 1.53 4 25 6 7 8 P&O
9 BPN10 1000 11 2 1.53 4 2 5 6 7 8 P&O
9 BPN10
Time (Sec) RBFN Time (Sec) RBFN
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 (a) 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 1 2 3 4 (b)5 6 7 8 9 10
Time (Sec)
400 Time (Sec)
(a) 390 (b)
300
(V) (V)

400
380
VoltageVoltage

200 390
300
370
100 380 1 1.5 2 P&O
200 BPN
RBFN
0 370
100 1 1.5 2 P&O
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 BPN10
Time (Sec) RBFN
0
0 1 2 3 4 (c) 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time (Sec)
Figure 10. Voltage output of the WECS for (a) boost
(c) converter; (b) SEPIC converter; and (c) quadratic
Boost converter with P&O, Back propagation network (BPN) and RBFN MPPT techniques.
Figure 10. Voltage output of the WECS for (a) boost converter; (b) SEPIC converter; and (c) quadratic
Figure 10. Voltage output of the WECS for (a) boost converter; (b) SEPIC converter; and (c) quadratic
Boost converter with P&O, Back propagation network (BPN) and RBFN MPPT techniques.
Boost converter with P&O, Back propagation network (BPN) and RBFN MPPT techniques.
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 17

3000
3000
2500
2500
Power (W)

2000 3000
Power (W)

2000 3100
2800 3000
1500 1500 2900
2600
1000 1000
2800
2400 2
P&O 2700 P&O
1 1.5 2
500 BPN
500 1 1.5 BPN
RBFN RBFN
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time (Sec) Time (Sec)
(a) (b)
3000
2500
Power (W)

2000
1500 3000
1000 2800
P&O
1 1.5 2
500 BPN
RBFN
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time (Sec)
(c)
Figure 11. Power output of the WECS for, (a) Boost converter; (b) SEPIC converter; and (c) Quadratic
Figure 11. Power output of the WECS for, (a) Boost converter; (b) SEPIC converter; and (c) Quadratic
Boost converter with P&O, BPN and RBFN MPPT techniques.
Boost converter with P&O, BPN and RBFN MPPT techniques.
Figure 10 shows the comparison of DC voltage output for the above‐mentioned DC/DC
converter, which is implemented with P&O, BPN, and RBFN control techniques. Figure 10a shows
the output voltage when Boost converter is implemented and Figure 10b shows the DC output
voltage when the SEPIC topology is implemented in WECS. The RBFN based MPPT control strategy
provides higher results than the P&O and BPN based control technique. The output voltage when
the quadratic‐boost converter is implemented is shown in Figure 10c. Thus, from the above results,
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 13 of 17

Figure 10 shows the comparison of DC voltage output for the above-mentioned DC/DC converter,
which is implemented with P&O, BPN, and RBFN control techniques. Figure 10a shows the output
voltage when Boost converter is implemented and Figure 10b shows the DC output voltage when the
SEPIC topology is implemented in WECS. The RBFN based MPPT control strategy provides higher
results than the P&O and BPN based control technique. The output voltage when the quadratic-boost
converter is implemented is shown in Figure 10c. Thus, from the above results, it can be observed
that the Quadratic-boost converter delivers higher voltage gain, whereas Boost converter and SEPIC
converter have lesser gain value. The WECS performs in a stable condition and delivers constant rated
voltage of 380 V in all operating regions only when the RBFN based control strategy is implemented
along with the Quadratic boost converter.
The ability of MPPT controllers to extract the maximum available power from the wind speed
is shown in Figure 11. The power output of Boost and SEPIC converter is shown in Figure 11a,b.
From the results, it can be observed that the RBFN based MPPT control strategy produces higher power
output than that of P&O and BPN control strategy. The output power obtained when a Quadratic boost
converter is used is shown in Figure 11c. From the results, it can be concluded that the combination of
Quadratic boost converter along with the RBFN based MPPT technique provides better results and
can optimize the output power when the wind speed surpasses the rated value. The P&O controller
on average extracts lower power than that of RBFN controllers. The speed of convergence of the
P&O controller is slow and, since the wind is highly intermittent, it cannot determine the exact duty
cycle of current wind speed. The BPN controller strategy provides enhanced results but fails at the
above-rated wind speed region, and the convergence speed is also lower than the RBFN control
technique. The generated voltage and current of PMSG converter for the rapid variation of wind speed
is shown in Figure 12a,b, respectively. The hardware implementation of the Quadratic boost converter
with RBFN based MPPT control technique is shown in Figures 13 and 14. The region is considered
between time ranges of 1.2 s to 1.5 s to show the clear output for the hardware results.
The overall performance comparison of maximum power extracted using Boost converter, SEPIC
converter, and Quadratic Boost converter is shown in Table 3. The average output DC voltage obtained
in both the operating regions when the MPPT control strategy is applied is shown in Table 4. The DC
output voltage obtained corresponding to the duty cycle is shown in Figure 15. The optimum 14
Electronics 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW
voltage
of 18
of 380 V is kept as the rated voltage for SEPIC converter and a Quadratic boost converter. The 380 V
DCloss
voltage is termed
associated with as
thethe standard
boost value
converter, for and
SEPIC DC Quadratic
microgrid.boost
The converters
switching are
lossshown
and diode loss
in Table
associated
5. with the boost converter, SEPIC and Quadratic boost converters are shown in Table 5.
Generated Voltage (V)

200
500 0
-200
1.5 1.505 1.51 1.515 1.52
0

-500
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time (s)

(a)
Generator current (A)

10
10
0 0
-10
1.5 1.505 1.51 1.515 1.52
-10

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time (s)
(b)
Figure
Figure 12.12.Generated
Generated output
output parameters
parametersofofpermanent
permanentmagnet
magnetsynchronous generator
synchronous (PMSG),
generator (a)
(PMSG),
voltage; (b) current.
(a) voltage; (b) current.
 0 0

Generac
1.5 1.505 1.51 1.515 1.52

Generator
-10 -10
1.5 1.505 1.51 1.515 1.52
-10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time (s)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(b)
Time (s)

Electronics 2018,
Figure7, 20 (b)
12. Generated output parameters of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), (a) 14 of 17
voltage;12.
Figure (b)Generated
current. output parameters of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), (a)
voltage; (b) current.

Figure 13. Hardware setup of the Proposed converter with RBFN based MPPT control strategy.
Figure 13. Hardware setup of the Proposed converter with RBFN based MPPT control strategy.
Figure 13. Hardware setup of the Proposed converter with RBFN based MPPT control strategy.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)

(c)
(c)
Figure 14. Experimental results output for RBFN based Quadratic boost converter, (a) output voltage;
(b) output
Figure current; and (c)
14. Experimental output
results power.
output for RBFN based Quadratic boost converter, (a) output voltage;
Figure 14. Experimental results output for RBFN based Quadratic boost converter, (a) output voltage;
(b) output current; and (c) output power.
(b) output current; and (c) output power.

Table 3. Comparison of maximum power obtained using boost, sepic and quadratic boost converters
for different control strategies.

Boost Converter SEPIC Quadratic Boost Converter

Control
Strategy Below Rated Above Rated Below Rated Above Rated Below Rated Above Rated
Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed
P&O 2541 W 2766 W 2876 W 3097 W 2897 W 3073 W
BPN 2626 W 2812 W 2901 W 3036 W 2948 W 3049 W
RBFN 2726 W 2884 W 2982 W 3008 W 2994 W 3003 W

Table 4. Comparison of DC voltage obtained using boost, sepic and quadratic boost converters for
different control strategies.

Boost Converter SEPIC Quadratic Boost Converter

Control
Strategy Below Rated Above Rated Below Rated Above Rated Below Rated Above Rated
Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed
P&O 309 V 412 V 359 V 394 V 361 V 387 V
BPN 369 V 393 V 374 V 393 V 377 V 393 V
RBFN 376 V 389 V 380 V 380 V 380 V 380 V
 Boost Converter SEPIC Quadratic Boost Converter
Control
Below Rated Above Rated Below Rated Above Rated Below Rated Above Rated
Strategy
Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed Wind Speed
P&O 309 V 412 V 359 V 394 V 361 V 387 V
BPN 369 V 393 V 374 V 393 V 377 V 393 V
RBFN2018, 7, 20 376 V
Electronics 389 V 380 V 380 V 380 V 380 V
15 of 17

Table 5. Switch Power Loss and Diode loss associated with boost, sepic and quadratic boost
Table 5. Switch Power Loss and Diode loss associated with boost, sepic and quadratic boost converters.
converters.

Switching
Switching Power
Power LossLoss Diode
Diode Power
Power Loss
Loss
Converter
Converter
Equation
Equation Theoretical
Theoretical Value
Value Equation
Equation TheoreticalValue
Theoretical Value
BoostConverter
Boost Converter Ploss = IDRAIN2 RON
Ploss = IDRAIN 2 RON
246.7
246.7 WW Ploss
Ploss == IRMSVVD
IRMS 64.56WW
64.56
D
SEPIC
SEPIC PlossPloss = IOUT
= IOUT 2 R2 RON
ON
135.2
135.2 WW Ploss
Ploss ==VDVDIOUT
IOUT 62.4WW
62.4
Quadratic BoostConverter
Quadratic Boost Converter PlossPloss
= IDRAIN 2 R2 RON
= IDRAIN 51.9
51.9 WW Ploss
Ploss == IRMSVV
IRMS 21.5WW
21.5
ON DD
**Note:
Note:PP loss==Power
loss Powerloss,
loss,
RONRON = Resistance
= Resistance on‐state,
on-state, IOUT I=OUT = Output
Output DC current,
DC current, IRMS = Iroot
RMS = rootsquare
mean mean current,
square
Vcurrent,
F = Forward voltage drop of diode.
VF = Forward voltage drop of diode.

Voltage waveform
Figure 15. Voltage waveform of
of Boost,
Boost, SEPIC
SEPIC and
and Quadractic
Quadractic boost
boost converters
converters(radar
(radarplot).
plot).

6. Conclusions
6. Conclusions
In this
In this paper,
paper, aanovel
novelconfiguration
configuration ofofintegrating
integrating Quadratic
Quadratic boost
boost converter
converter with
with RBFN
RBFN based
based
MPPT control
MPPT control strategy
strategy isis implemented
implemented forfor wind
wind energy
energy conversion
conversion system.
system. Various MPPT strategies,
Various MPPT strategies,
namely P&O and BPN and DC/DC converters such as Boost and SEPIC are also discussed in
namely P&O and BPN and DC/DC converters such as Boost and SEPIC are also discussed in detail.
detail.
The main
The main aim
aim ofof the
the MPPT
MPPT control
control technique
technique is is to
to maximize
maximize the
the output
output power
power of
of wind
wind energy
energy at
at low
low
wind speed
wind speed and
and optimize
optimize thethe power
power toto optimum
optimum valuevalue during
during high
high wind
wind speed
speed by
by varying
varying the
the duty
duty
cycle according
cycle according to to the
the wind
wind speed.
speed. AA quadratic
quadratic boost
boost converter
converter that
that can
can provide
provide high
high voltage
voltage gain
gain is
is
employed so
employed so that
that the
the WECS
WECS can can be
be operated
operated at at aa higher
higher voltage
voltage and
and also
also achieve
achieve high
high performance.
performance.
The proposed topology is then compared with the Boost and SEPIC based configuration in order to
validate their performance. MATLAB/Simulink software is employed to test the design and validate
the results. From the analysis, it is concluded that an RBFN based MPPT controller with a Quadratic
boost converter provides more effective results than that of P&O and BPN based methods in terms
of maximum power extraction. The major advantage of RBFN controllers is the smaller settling time
when compared to P&O and BPN controllers; thus, there are fewer oscillations during the sudden
gust in wind speed. Hence, the proposed configuration can be implemented in real time for better and
improvised operation of the wind energy conversion system.

Acknowledgments: No source of funding for this research investigation.

Author Contributions: Ramji Tiwari and Kumar Krishnamurthy designed the experiments; Ramji Tiwari
and Ramesh Babu Neelakandan performed the experiments; Ramesh Babu Neelakandan and Sanjeevikumar
Padmanaban wrote the paper; Patrick William Wheeler analyzed the data.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Electronics 2018, 7, 20 16 of 17

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