Modeling and hardware-in-the-loop implementation of real-time aero-elastic-electrical co-simulation platform for PMSG wind turbine

Grid-Connected Wind Turbine is a comprehensive dynamic system comprising cross-coupling characteristics in various time scales. This paper aims to construct a real-time semi-physical co-simulation of Variable-Speed-Variable-Pitch Wind Turbines (VSVP-WTs) equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). As for the deployment configuration, software such as OpenFAST and LabVIEW are used for system modeling, while the hardware, mainly NI devices, is adopted for real-time operation and strategy implementation. The physical behaviors of energy conversion are discussed separately, especially on aeroelastic dynamics and electronic power switching. Additionally, operational strategy for the whole production is established through an embedded industrial controller, which also serves as a bi-directional interaction path. An Ethernet network-based communication interface is constructed as an information channel in which a discrete model is extracted and discussed. The synchronization and stability among hardware are guaranteed with a proper period. Several cases demonstrate detailed dynamics of the whole WT, brought on by command adjustment, environmental factors, and power system faults. The proposed platform would be considered a critical stage in digital twin application of engineering.