MPPT for Magnus wind turbines based on cylinders rotation speed

This paper proposes a method to reach the maximum power point of a Magnus wind turbine. Firstly, a special discussion is made about this turbine and its behavior, showing that this turbine is a special case of horizontal axis wind generator, whereas using rotating cylinders instead of fixed blades. Secondly, it is presented an explanation of how some maximum power point trackers (MPPT) can be used with wind energy conversion systems and, specially, the divided step hill climbing search method (HCS). The MPPT method proposed for the Magnus turbine is based on the control of cylinder rotation speed to change the tip speed ratio. Finally, simulation results are presented with the proposed MPPT method applied to a Magnus wind turbine.