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This paper reports experimental results, in a wind tunnel, of controllers for a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). Models and controllers from previous works were validated and improved through the acquisition of new data sets. The control methods used are PID, LQR and CRONE (a type of fractional order control, i.e., a controller using fractional derivatives). The simulation results led to the choice of the CRONE controller for implementation. Hardware and software were developed to perform tests in a wind tunnel, that proved the correct behavior of the controller whilst validation results exceeded those from simulation. These results are expected to contribute for the viability of VAWTs in urban environments since they can aid in the increasing demand of energy services in urban areas without increasing the carbon emission levels of the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the fractional sliding mode control of MIMO nonlinear noncommensurable plants, which does not seem to have been covered until this moment in the literature on fractional sliding mode control. It includes simulation results to confirm the feasibility of the solution presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper addresses variable order fractional controllers. Four situations where variable order fractional controllers may be used to cope with time-varying plants are used as examples. In all cases a constant phase margin is sought, thus resulting in a constant overshoot in step responses, which is otherwise unattainable. The first two examples concern first generation Crone controllers for plants with time-varying gains. The other two examples concern a logarithmic phase Crone controller for a plant with time-varying poles and gain. Numerical simulation results are given for all examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the identification, development and simulation of a complex order, third generation CRONE (Commande Robuste d'Ordre Non Entier) controller for a new Darrieus type vertical-axis wind turbine design. A prototype of this wind turbine was developed and tested in a wind tunnel. Data acquired in the tests were used to develop and validate an accurate model. The CRONE control system design methodology was then used to develop a robust controller, which was tested in simulation. Simulations allow for parameter uncertainty in different wind conditions, with and without the presence of turbulence. This control system can be easily implemented using a micro-controller. • Third generation CRONE controller. • Darrieus type vertical-axis wind turbine. • Prototype tested in a wind tunnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]