Optimal Torque Algorithm for Maximum Power Point Tracking in Wind Turbines

In the context of wind energy increasingly being invested in and promoted as a clean power source, remarkable advancements in Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) technology have delivered a wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits. However, extracting maximum power from wind turbines remains a significant challenge when wind speed fluctuates continuously. In this study, we focus on enhancing the operational efficiency of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) under variable wind-speed conditions. We propose an Optimal Torque Control (OTC) algorithm to perform Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). The OTC algorithm forces the direct-axis current (daxis) to zero (Zero Direct-axis Current, ZDC), thereby minimizing resistive losses in the windings and improving the generator's energy-conversion efficiency. Through this mechanism, the PMSG always operates at the optimal torque corresponding to each wind speed, helping to reduce losses and increase system stability under varying conditions. The entire modeling and performance evaluation have been implemented in Matlab/Simulink, clearly demonstrating the efficiency improvements and practical applicability of the OTC method in WECS.