Events Calendar

Dynamics and Control of Large Utility-Scale Wind Turbines for Fun and Profit

Speaker: Dr. Mark Balas, University of Wyoming

Talk Title: Dynamics and Control of Large Utility-Scale Wind Turbines for Fun and Profit

Abstract: The next generation of utility-scale wind turbines will be larger and more flexible than earlier designs to
promote greater energy capture and reduce the cost of energy. It is here that the implementation of active
feedback control is crucial to meet design objectives. Not only must there be power regulation or optimization
but also load mitigation to extend the life of the turbine. Wind turbine dynamics modeling for active control is
composed of four principal parts:
1. Aerodynamics and Inflow Behavior,
2. Structural Dynamics,
3. Feedback Control Algorithms,
4. Power Electronics
Active control is a relatively new technology for wind turbines. Basic control theory used in this talk is linear
time-invariant and periodic control using disturbance accommodation, but with a strong connection to the
aerodynamics and structural dynamics of wind turbines. New work in adaptive control of wind turbines will
also be presented.

Biography: Mark Balas is the Guthrie Nicholson Professor of Electrical Engineering and Head of the Electrical and
Computer Engineering Department at the University of Wyoming. He has the following technical degrees: PhD
in Mathematics, MS Electrical Engineering, MA Mathematics, and BS Electrical Engineering. He has held
various positions in industry, academia, and government. Among his careers, he has been a university professor
for over 30 years with RPI, MIT, University of Colorado-Boulder, and University of Wyoming, and has
mentored 39 doctoral students. He has over 300 publications in archive journals, refereed conference
proceedings and technical book chapters. He has been visiting faculty with the US Air Force Research
Laboratory-Kirtland AFB, the NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory, The NASA Ames Research Center, and is the
Associate Director of the University of Wyoming Wind Energy Research Center and adjunct faculty with the
School of Energy Resources. He is a fellow of the AIAA and a life fellow of the IEEE.

Host: Edmond Jonckheere

More Information: Balas.pdf

Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Shane Goodoff