MATLAB Coding and Initial Data Analysis

Writing the MATLAB script

I developed two main MATLAB scripts:
  • wind_turbine_analysis.m - Single turbine simulation using dataset
  • multi_turbine_simulation.m - Multiple turbine wind farm simulation

The first script loads the dataset (Voltage, Current, RPM, Power) and performs a comprehensive analysis as seen in the command window. The script automatically calculates mean, standard deviation, min and max for all variables, which gives us an insight into the system's variability and behaviour.

What the time series shows.

The voltage varies between approximately 5.8V and 11.4V over 60 seconds, following a smooth pattern that simulates varying wind conditions. The current response shows an inverse relationship; when the voltage is high, the current seems to be lower, which is realistic for a system with varying load conditions. Power output ranges from around 0.2W to nearly 5W, staying withing the specified 0-5W range.

RPM and Power Relationship

The scatter plot shows a clear positive correlation between RPM and power output, with a correlation coefficient of 0.7-0.8. The line shows that the relationship isn't perfectly linear; at very low RPM, power output is minimal, and as RPM increases, power increases more rapidly. This matches real-world turbine behaviour, where there's a minimum rotational speed needed before real power generation occurs.

Efficiency Findings

The efficiency analysis shows that the system operates at an average of around 59.9% efficiency. The efficiency fluctuates throughout the test period because the relationship between voltage, current and load is constantly changing. When the system is at lower RPM with higher current draw, efficiency drops. When operating closer to optimal speed, efficiency improves

Multi-Turbine Simulation

This second script addresses Dr Purav's feedback directly by simulating four turbines with different characteristics, all feeding into the same grid.

Turbine Specifications

  1. Turbine 1: Small rotor (0.5m), low wind (3 m/s), TSR = 3: RPM = 344
  2. Turbine 2: Medium rotor (0.7m), medium wind (4.5 m/s), TSR = 4: RPM = 409
  3. Turbine 3: Large rotor (0.9m), high wind (5 m/s), TSR = 5: RPM = 637
  4. Turbine 4: Medium rotor (0.6m), variable wind (5 m/s), TSR = 3.5: RPM = 557
Each turbine's RPM is calculated using the formula from my notes.

RPM = (60*V*TSR)/(pi*D)

Where V = wind speed, TSR = tip speed ratio, and D = rotor diameter.




Problems Identified

As Dr. Purav predicted, several issues became visible when simulating multiple turbines

1. Power Discrepancy

The turbines produce different power levels. Turbine 3 (Large, high wind) averages around 4-5W, while Turbine 1 (Small, low wind) only produces 1.5-2W. This creates and unbalanced grind input where one turbine outputs more power than the other.

2. Voltage Instability

Each turbine operates at a different base voltage depending on its wind speed and rotor size. Without voltage regulation, connecting them all directly to a shared bus would cause voltage fluctuations that could cause damage to components or cause system instability

Inefficiency

The total grid outputs less than the sum of individual optimal outputs because the turbines aren't synced and energy is lost in the mismatch between different operating points.




Possible Solutions

Based on this analysis. the next phase of the project will focus on:

  • DC-DC Converters: Research and potentially simulate converters to standardize voltage from each turbine before grid connection
  • Power aggregation Algorithm: Develop MATLAB logic that balances contribution from each turbine
  • MPPT (Maximum power point tracking): Investigate whether individual turbines should operate at their optimal point or adjust to grid requirements.

Statistics from MATLAB output

Single Turbine:
  • Mean Power: 2.8W
  • Mean RPM: 900 RPM
  • Mean Efficiency: 55%
  • Total Energy: 170J/m
Multi-Turbine Grid:

  • Total mean power: 10-12W combined
  • Power variation between turbines 150-200%
  • Max combined output: 15W

The MATLAB groundwork has been completed and now the Simulink modelling can be done knowing that the data structure and analysis done so far have been validated and is working correctly.




















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