Adaptive sliding mode back-stepping pitch angle control of a variable-displacement pump controlled pitch system for wind turbines

A variable-displacement pump controlled pitch system is proposed to mitigate generator power and flap-wise load fluctuations for wind turbines. The pitch system mainly consists of a variable-displacement hydraulic pump, a fixed-displacement hydraulic motor and a gear set. The hydraulic motor can be accurately regulated by controlling the pump displacement and fluid flows to change the pitch angle through the gear set. The detailed mathematical representation and dynamic characteristics of the proposed pitch system are thoroughly analyzed. An adaptive sliding mode pump displacement controller and a back-stepping stroke piston controller are designed for the proposed pitch system such that the resulting pitch angle tracks its desired value regardless of external disturbances and uncertainties. The effectiveness and control efficiency of the proposed pitch system and controllers have been verified by using realistic dataset of a 750 kW research wind turbine. •A variable-displacement pump controlled pitch system is proposed for wind turbines.•An adaptive sliding mode pump displacement controller and a back-stepping stroke piston controller are designed.•Using the realistic dataset of a 750 kW wind turbine to validate the effectiveness of the proposed pitch system and controllers.