Active regulation of multi-MW wind turbines: an overview

With the recent trend towards large multi-MW wind turbines, the role of the control system has become increasingly important and its design increasingly demanding. Furthermore, the realisation that not only the performance of the machine but also the structural loads depend on the controller, has given research into the control of wind turbines a new impetus. The extension of the role of the controller to alleviate structural loads has motivated the exploration of novel control strategies, which seek to maximise load alleviation by exploiting the blade pitch system. An overview to raise awareness of the possibilities and potential of control for multi- MW wind turbines is presented. The place within the wind energy technology of the control system and its role as an integrating technology together with the perspective of the developers are discussed.