A Lidar Assisted Feedforward Preview Controller for Load Mitigation in Wind Turbines

Abstract

A H 2 feedforward blade pitch controller is designed using an algorithm optimized for preview control. The control objectives of the feedforward controller are to regulate the generator speed, reduce tower loads and preserve the pitch system. Its input is a wind preview measurement that is provided by a turbine-mounted LIDAR system. The feedforward enhanced control system is then compared to a baseline feedback controller in aeroservoelastic simulations. The results show that the designed controller is able to reduce generator speed fluctuations, tower loads and pitch activity without reducing the generated power, contributing to the turbine lifetime and hence decreasing the cost of energy.