Maximum power extraction algorithm for a small wind turbine

Today, a characteristic of the operating regime of small wind turbines is that they do not obtain the maximum power efficiency. Taking into account that that the operability margin can, in general, be enhanced, this paper sets out to develop algorithms designed to extract the maximum power. First, an analysis is made of existing algorithms and as a result, a new algorithm is proposed to track the maximum power point (MPPT). This algorithm is based on an improvement in another previously defined in the literature. The proposed algorithm resolves the problem of Hill-climb searching algorithms in tracking the maximum power point, when the wind speed drops sharply. Lastly, the proposed algorithm is valid under any wind conditions and is, moreover, an economical alternative as it does not require any additional sensor for it to operate correctly.