Artificial neural network-based direct power control to enhance the performance of a PMSG-wind energy conversion system under real wind speed and parameter uncertainties: An experimental validation

With the increasing emphasis on embedding advanced technology into system controls, the Direct Power Control (DPC) approach has garnered considerable attention due to its simple and highly adaptable algorithm. This approach has been increasingly recognized in numerous applications. However, the variable frequency, harmonic distortion of the currents, and power ripples caused by Hysteresis controllers and switching tables decrease its effectiveness and robustness, affecting the system’s performance. For this reason, this paper proposed a new DPC based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approaches. In this approach, the hysteresis comparator and the switching table are substituted with ANN controllers and then applied on both sides: machine-side converter (MSC) and grid-side converter (GSC) of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator based Wind Energy Conversion System (PMSG-WECS). Moreover, to make the system more efficient in varying wind conditions, this study expands the utilization of the artificial neural networks (ANN) to encompass the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control strategy. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach on the system behaviors, a simulation test was carried out in the Matlab/Simulink environment, using a real wind profile of a Moroccan city (Essaouira). In comparison to the classical DPC control, the simulation results showed the superior performance of the proposed ANN-DPC control in terms of reference tracking, response time, overshoot, precision, and its capacity to reduce the rate of power ripples and total harmonic distortion (THD) in the injected currents. Furthermore, a robustness test was also included in this work to check the robustness of the proposed control against parameters variation. In conclusion, the feasibility and effectiveness of the ANN-DPC control approach were confirmed through experimental validation using the dSPACE DS1104 board.