DVC strategy with MPPT for a DFIG-based SeaFlow variable-speed marine current turbine
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The integration of marine current turbines is a keystone of the global race toward renewable energy, and tidal currents, in particular, offer higher predictability and energy density, providing a reliable source of clean power. This paper proposes a control strategy that combines the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique with the Direct Vector Control for a variable-speed Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) based SeaFlow marine current turbine. A complete simulation model is developed at first, including the hydrodynamic resource, turbine, drive train, and DFIG. The MPPT algorithm is, then, implemented through rotor speed estimation with a Proportional–Integral–Derivative controller, while the Direct Vector Control ensures independent regulation of active and reactive powers. MATLAB/Simulink simulations under varying tidal velocities demonstrate accurate speed tracking of the proposed approach, its stable power regulation, and improved power capture compared to conventional methods. The obtained results confirm that the proposed control strategy maintains turbine performance across a range of tidal velocities and effectively handling variations in the marine current. Moreover, the integration of MPPT with Direct Vector Control ensures independent regulation of active and reactive powers, and enhances both energy extraction and grid stability. These results confirm the strategy’s robustness under variable conditions and its suitability for large-scale tidal energy applications.
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
-
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
-
ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
How to Cite
References
Abo-Khalil, A. G. Alghamdi, A. S. (2021). MPPT of permanent magnet synchronous generator in tidal energy systems using support vector regression. Sustainability, 13(4). Doi: 10.3390/su13042223.
Aly, H. H. (2016). Dynamic modeling and control of the tidal current turbine using DFIG and DDPMSG for power system stability analysis. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 83, 525–540. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijepes.2016.03.055.
Azzouzi Smieee, M., Garmat, A. Popescu, D. Zidi, S. Mazouz, L. (2016). Modeling and control of wind energy conversion system. 2016 5th International Conference on Systems and Control (ICSC), Marrakesh, Morocco, 377–382. Doi: 10.1109/ICoSC.2016.7507080.
Bassett, C. Gibbs, P. Wood, H. Cavagnaro, R. J. Cunningham, B. Dosher, J. Joslin, J. Polagye, B. (2025). Lessons learned from the design and operation of a small-scale cross-flow tidal turbine. Journal of Ocean Engineering and Marine Energy, 11, 909–929. Doi: 10.1007/s40722-025-00411-y.
Bekiroglu, E. Yazar, M.D. (2022). MPPT control of grid connected DFIG at variable wind speed. Energies, 15(9), 3146. Doi: 10.3390/en15093146.
Benelghali, S. Benbouzid, M. Charpentier, J. F. (2012). DFIG versus PMSG for marine current turbine applications. Journal of Renewable Energies, 15(1), 29–41. Doi: 10.54966/jreen.v15i1.298.
Boretti, A. Castelletto, S. (2025). Advancements and challenges in tidal stream and oceanic current turbines: an overview of current technologies and future prospects. Marine Development, 3(10), 1–23. Doi: 10.1007/s44312-025-00054-5.
Gu, Y. Zou, T. Liu, H. Lin, Y. Ren, H. Li, Q. (2024). Status and challenges of marine current turbines: A global review. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 12(6), 884. Doi: 10.3390/jmse12060884.
Gu, Y. Zou, T. Liu, H. Ren, H. Lin, Y. (2025). Power capture and management system of a small-scale marine current turbine for offshore instrument power supply. Ocean Engineering, 327. 120915. Doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.120915.
Guy, C. Hart, E. Vengatesan, V. Forehand, D. (2024). Numerical modelling of a 1.5MWtidal turbine in realistic coupled wave–current sea states for the assessment of turbine hub-depth impacts on mechanical loads. Ocean Engineering, 292. 116577. Doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.116577.
Itouchene, H. Amrane, F. Boudries, Z. (2024). Robust control of DFIG wind turbines in sub/super-synchronous operation using integral backstepping controller. Journal of Renewable Energies, EEIC’2023 (Special issue), 23–31. Doi: 10.54966/jreen.v1i1.1170.
Kangaji, L. M. Raji, A. Orumwense, E. (2025). Cutting-edge progress in offshore wind and tidal stream power technology–State-of-the-Art. AIMS Energy, 13(1), 188–230. Doi:10.3934/energy.2025007.
Liu, H. Han, P. (2024). Renewable energy development and carbon emissions: The role of electricity exchange. Journal of Cleaner Production, 439. 140807. Doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.140807.
Medjadji, N. Medjahed, D. M. Mahamedi, A. Abdelmajid, K. Yahiaoui, M. Aris, A. (2024). Implementing crowbar protection to maintain system stability in doubly fed induction generator wind turbines. Journal of Renewable Energies, ICREPS'2024 (Special Issue), 165 – 174. Doi: 10.54966/jreen.v1i3.1301.
Mohanty, A. Ramasamy, A. K. Verayiah, R. Mohanty, S. Rajamony, R. K. Allasi, H. L. Mohanty, P. P. (2025). Intelligent event trigger based sliding mode control in a marine current turbine with superconducting magnetic energy storage. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 12725. Doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-94087-x.
Ortega, A. Tomy, J. P. Shek, J. Paboeuf, S. Ingram, D. (2020). An inter-comparison of dynamic, fully coupled, electro-mechanical, models of tidal turbines. Energies, 13. Doi: 10.3390/en13205389.
Qian, P. Feng, B. Liu, H. Tian, X. Si, Y. Zhang, D. (2019). Review on configuration and control methods of tidal current turbines. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 108, 125–139. Doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.03.051.
Rajanala, P. Kumar, M. K. Giriprasad, A. Choi, J. H. Govardhan Rao, K. V. Sri Sravan, V. Rami Reddy, Ch. (2025). Intelligent MPPT and coordinated control for voltage stability in brushless DFIG wind turbines. Scientific Reports, 15, 22669. Doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-08676-x.
Ramli, N. L. Mohamed, M. R. Ibrahim, W. I. Kurukuri, P. (2025). Enhanced stability and performance of the tidal energy conversion system using adaptive optimum relation-based MPPT algorithms. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50, 18037–18051. Doi: 10.1007/s13369-025-10265-z.
Sayeh, K. F. Tamalouzt, S. Ziane, D. Sahri, Y. Deffaf, B. Belaid, S. L. (2024). Control of a wind turbine based on DFIG by improved direct torque control using fuzzy logic. Journal of Renewable Energies, EEIC’2023 (special issue), 71–78. Doi: 10.54966/jreen.v1i1.1173.
Trieu, N. T. Huynh, H. X. Rodin, V. Pottier, B. (2024). Shore pollution simulation based on tidal currents and ground effects. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 15(3), 122–129 Doi: 10.18178/ijesd.2024.15.3.1477.
Zhang, F. Zhu,W. Zu, S. Zhang, X. Chen, J. Wu, B. Huang, J. (2025). Control research on active pitch control system for horizontal-axis tidal-current turbine generator. Energies, 18, 764. Doi: 10.3390/en18040764.
Zhou, Z. Ben Elghali, S. Benbouzid, M. Amirat, Y. Elbouchikhi, E. Feld, G. (2020). Tidal stream turbine control: An active disturbance rejection control approach. Ocean Engineering. 202, 107190. Doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2020.107190.