MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF A STANDALONE WIND TURBINE SYSTEM USING MATLAB/SIMULINK FOR PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION

The increasing demand for clean and decentralized energy solutions has driven interest in small-scale renewable energy systems, particularly for standalone and off-grid applications. However, optimzing wind turbine parameetrs for optimum perfromance could be challenging. Also, physical prototyping without prior simulation may lead to increased costs and inefficiencies. This study presents a MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a 5 kW standalone wind turbine system to facilitate comprehensive performance analysis and optimization before implementation. The developed model used power coefficient and tip speed ratio formulations to evaluate the effects of key design parameters. Simulation was performed and the influence of turbine speed, rotor radius, pitch angle and wind speed on mechanical power and torque was analyzed. The results reveal that to achieve 5 kW rated mechanical power when the wind speed and pitch angle are 12 ms-1 and 0 respectively, the value of turbine radius, turbine speed and optimal tip speed ratio is 1.9143 m, 50.775 rads-1 and 8.098 ms-1 respectively. Turbine speeds of 40 ms-1 and 60 ms-1 have the mechanical power of 3.62 kW and 2.78 kW respectively at constant windspeed of 12m/s. Wind speed of 21.60 ms-1 gives the maximum power of 11.64 kW. Any increment beyond 21.60 m/s will make mechanical power declines. This indicates that wind speed has great impact on power generation. The model gives the designers leverage to determine the optimal parameters for efficient and reliable wind turbine system. This study provides validated platform for design prototyping and academic research.