Distributed Wind Power System Design: Power Control and Energy Management of Small Wind Turbines in Microgrids

Distributed Wind Power System Design: Power Control and Energy Management of Small Wind Turbines in Microgrids

Connecting small wind turbines to regional microgrids can effectively utilize local wind energy, but the intermittency and volatility of wind power also present challenges. The core of the system design lies in achieving smooth control of wind power output and intelligent energy management across the entire system to ensure the stability, reliability, and economy of the microgrid operation.

The goal of power control is to enable "friendly integration" of wind power. Small wind turbines need to be equipped with controllers with basic regulation functions. When changes in wind speed cause a sudden increase or decrease in turbine output, the controller must be able to respond quickly, adjusting the generator's operating state to smooth out drastic power fluctuations and prevent impacts on the microgrid's voltage and frequency. In advanced systems, the turbine can even receive instructions from the microgrid and actively adjust its output power within a certain range, participating in maintaining the microgrid's real-time power balance.

Energy management is the brain of optimized operation. Microgrids require a central energy management system for overall coordination. This system integrates predicted wind power generation data, real-time output from other power sources within the microgrid (such as solar power and diesel generators), the energy status of energy storage devices, and user load to formulate optimal operating strategies. For example, during periods of high wind and abundant electricity, the system directs increased charging of energy storage or encourages users to consume more electricity; during periods of low wind or no wind, it arranges for energy storage to discharge or for other power sources to take over. Through this proactive scheduling, the system maximizes the local wind power absorption rate, reduces dependence on the external grid, and lowers overall operating costs.

Through meticulous power control and intelligent energy management, distributed wind power is transformed from an "uncontrollable" energy source into a "high-quality power source" that actively supports the stable operation of the microgrid. This not only improves energy self-sufficiency but also enhances the microgrid's independent operation capability during external grid failures, making it a crucial component in building flexible, resilient, and green low-carbon community energy systems.