scholarly journals A survey of modelling methods for high-fidelity wind farm simulations using large eddy simulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 375 (2091) ◽  
pp. 20160097 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.-P. Breton ◽  
J. Sumner ◽  
J. N. Sørensen ◽  
K. S. Hansen ◽  
S. Sarmast ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Current State ◽  
Terrain Effects ◽  
Large Eddy

Large eddy simulations (LES) of wind farms have the capability to provide valuable and detailed information about the dynamics of wind turbine wakes. For this reason, their use within the wind energy research community is on the rise, spurring the development of new models and methods. This review surveys the most common schemes available to model the rotor, atmospheric conditions and terrain effects within current state-of-the-art LES codes, of which an overview is provided. A summary of the experimental research data available for validation of LES codes within the context of single and multiple wake situations is also supplied. Some typical results for wind turbine and wind farm flows are presented to illustrate best practices for carrying out high-fidelity LES of wind farms under various atmospheric and terrain conditions. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wind energy in complex terrains’.

scholarly journals Research on the Power Capture and Wake Characteristics of a Wind Turbine Based on a Modified Actuator Line Model

Energies ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 282
Author(s):  
Feifei Xue ◽  
Heping Duan ◽  
Chang Xu ◽  
Xingxing Han ◽  
Yanqing Shangguan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Output Power ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Line Model ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Large Eddy ◽  
Actuator Line Model

On a wind farm, the wake has an important impact on the performance of the wind turbines. For example, the wake of an upstream wind turbine affects the blade load and output power of the downstream wind turbine. In this paper, a modified actuator line model with blade tips, root loss, and an airfoil three-dimensional delayed stall was revised. This full-scale modified actuator line model with blades, nacelles, and towers, was combined with a Large Eddy Simulation, and then applied and validated based on an analysis of wind turbine wakes in wind farms. The modified actuator line model was verified using an experimental wind turbine. Subsequently, numerical simulations were conducted on two NREL 5 MW wind turbines with different staggered spacing to study the effect of the staggered spacing on the characteristics of wind turbines. The results show that the output power of the upstream turbine stabilized at 5.9 MW, and the output power of the downstream turbine increased. When the staggered spacing is R and 1.5R, both the power and thrust of the downstream turbine are severely reduced. However, the length of the peaks was significantly longer, which resulted in a long-term unstable power output. As the staggered spacing increased, the velocity in the central near wake of the downstream turbine also increased, and the recovery speed at the threshold of the wake slowed down. The modified actuator line model described herein can be used for the numerical simulation of wakes in wind farms.

scholarly journals Inter-annual variability of wind climates and wind turbine annual energy production

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara C. Pryor ◽  
Tristan J. Shepherd ◽  
Rebecca J. Barthelmie
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Annual Variability ◽  
Eastern Usa

Abstract. Inter-annual variability (IAV) of expected annual energy production (AEP) from proposed wind farms plays a key role in dictating project financing. IAV in pre-construction projected AEP and the difference in 50th and 90th percentile (P50 and P90) AEP derives in part from variability in wind climates. However, the magnitude of IAV in wind speeds at/close to wind turbine hub-heights is poorly constrained and maybe overestimated by the 6 % standard deviation of annual mean wind speeds that is widely applied within the wind energy industry. Thus there is a need for improved understanding of the long-term wind resource and the inter-annual variability therein in order to generate more robust predictions of the financial value of a wind energy project. Long-term simulations of wind speeds near typical wind turbine hub-heights over the eastern USA indicate median gross capacity factors (computed using 10-minute wind speeds close to wind turbine hub-heights and the power curve of the most common wind turbine deployed in the region) that are in good agreement with values derived from operational wind farms. The IAV of annual mean wind speeds at/near to typical wind turbine hub-heights in these simulations is lower than is implied by assuming a standard deviation of 6 %. Indeed, rather than in 9 in 10 years exhibiting AEP within 0.9 and 1.1 times the long-term mean AEP, results presented herein indicate that over 90 % of the area in the eastern USA that currently has operating wind turbines simulated AEP lies within 0.94 and 1.06 of the long-term average. Further, IAV of estimated AEP is not substantially larger than IAV in mean wind speeds. These results indicate it may be appropriate to reduce the IAV applied to pre-construction AEP estimates to account for variability in wind climates, which would decrease the cost of capital for wind farm developments.

scholarly journals Optimization of Wind Turbine Interconnections in an Offshore Wind Farm Using Metaheuristic Algorithms

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chakib El Mokhi ◽  
Adnane Addaim
Keyword(s):  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Network Routing ◽  
Metaheuristic Algorithms ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Offshore Wind Farms

Wind energy is currently one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the world. For this reason, research on methods to render wind farms more energy efficient is reasonable. The optimization of wind turbine positions within wind farms makes the exploitation of wind energy more efficient and the wind farms more competitive with other energy resources. The investment costs alone for substation and electrical infrastructure for offshore wind farms run around 15–30% of the total investment costs of the project, which are considered high. Optimizing the substation location can reduce these costs, which also minimizes the overall cable length within the wind farm. In parallel, optimizing the cable routing can provide an additional benefit by finding the optimal grid network routing. In this article, the authors show the procedure on how to create an optimized wind farm already in the design phase using metaheuristic algorithms. Besides the optimization of wind turbine positions for more energy efficiency, the optimization methods of the substation location and the cable routing for the collector system to avoid cable losses are also presented.

scholarly journals Non-steady wind turbine response to daytime atmospheric turbulence

2017 ◽  
Vol 375 (2091) ◽  
pp. 20160103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarak N. Nandi ◽  
Andreas Herrig ◽  
James G. Brasseur
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiment ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Atmospheric Turbulence ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Large Eddy

Relevant to drivetrain bearing fatigue failures, we analyse non-steady wind turbine responses from interactions between energy-dominant daytime atmospheric turbulence eddies and the rotating blades of a GE 1.5 MW wind turbine using a unique dataset from a GE field experiment and computer simulation. Time-resolved local velocity data were collected at the leading and trailing edges of an instrumented blade together with generator power, revolutions per minute, pitch and yaw. Wind velocity and temperature were measured upwind on a meteorological tower. The stability state and other atmospheric conditions during the field experiment were replicated with a large-eddy simulation in which was embedded a GE 1.5 MW wind turbine rotor modelled with an advanced actuator line method. Both datasets identify three important response time scales: advective passage of energy-dominant eddies (≈25–50 s), blade rotation (once per revolution (1P), ≈3 s) and sub-1P scale (<1 s) response to internal eddy structure. Large-amplitude short-time ramp-like and oscillatory load fluctuations result in response to temporal changes in velocity vector inclination in the aerofoil plane, modulated by eddy passage at longer time scales. Generator power responds strongly to large-eddy wind modulations. We show that internal dynamics of the blade boundary layer near the trailing edge is temporally modulated by the non-steady external flow that was measured at the leading edge, as well as blade-generated turbulence motions. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wind energy in complex terrains’.

scholarly journals The Explicit Wake Parametrisation V1.0: a wind farm parametrisation in the mesoscale model WRF

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 3481-3522 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. H. Volker ◽  
J. Badger ◽  
A. N. Hahmann ◽  
S. Ott
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Mesoscale Model ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Offshore Wind Farms ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Large Eddy

Abstract. We describe the theoretical basis, implementation and validation of a new parametrisation that accounts for the effect of large offshore wind farms on the atmosphere and can be used in mesoscale and large-scale atmospheric models. This new parametrisation, referred to as the Explicit Wake Parametrisation (EWP), uses classical wake theory to describe the unresolved wake expansion. The EWP scheme is validated against filtered in situ measurements from two meteorological masts situated a few kilometres away from the Danish offshore wind farm Horns Rev I. The simulated velocity deficit in the wake of the wind farm compares well to that observed in the measurements and the velocity profile is qualitatively similar to that simulated with large eddy simulation models and from wind tunnel studies. At the same time, the validation process highlights the challenges in verifying such models with real observations.

scholarly journals Numerical Reproducibility of Terrain-induced Turbulence in Complex Terrain by Large-eddy Simulation (LES) Technique

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takanori UCHIDA
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Simulated Data ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Minute Period ◽  
Large Eddy ◽  
Horizontal Grid ◽  
Simulated Time

In the present study, field observation wind data from the time of the wind turbine blade damage accident on Shiratakiyama Wind Farm were analyzed in detail. In parallel, high-resolution LES turbulence simulations were performed in order to examine the model&rsquo;s ability to numerically reproduce terrain-induced turbulence. The comparison of the observed and simulated time series (1 second average values) from a 10 minute period from the time of the accident led to the conclusion that the settings of the horizontal grid resolution and time increment are important to numerically reproduce the terrain-induced turbulence that caused the wind turbine blade damage accident on Shiratakiyama Wind Farm. A spectral analysis of the same set of observed and simulated data revealed that the simulated data reproduced the energy cascade of the actual terrain-induced turbulence well.

scholarly journals Wind Turbine Control Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Its Economic Effects

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takanori Uchida
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Easterly Wind ◽  
Wind Turbine Control ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Repair Costs ◽  
Large Eddy ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd ◽  
Natural Terrain

At the Atsumi Wind Farm in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, damage to wind turbines occurred frequently due to terrain-induced turbulence. In the present study, numerical analyses of terrain-induced turbulence were conducted by reproducing the topography in the vicinity of the wind turbine sites in high resolution and using RIAM-COMPACT natural terrain version, which is based on large eddy simulation (LES). The results of the diagnoses indicated that, in the case of south-easterly wind, terrain-induced turbulence is generated at a small terrain feature located upstream of Wind Turbine (WT) #2, which serves as the origin of the turbulence. At the Atsumi Wind Farm, a combination of the series of wind diagnoses and on-site operation experience led to a decision to adopt an "automatic shutdown program" for WTs #1 and #2. Here, "automatic shutdown program" refers to the automatic suspension of wind turbine operation upon the wind speed and direction meeting the conditions associated with significant effects of terrain-induced turbulence at a wind turbine site. The adoption of the "automatic shutdown program" has successfully resulted in a large reduction in the number of occurrences of wind turbine damage, thus, creating major positive economic effects. 1) a reduction in the repair costs by 9.322 million yen per year per wind turbine, 2) an increase in the availability factor by 8.05%, and 3) an increase in the capacity factor by 1.7%.

scholarly journals Wake properties and power output of very large wind farms for different meteorological conditions and turbine spacings: A large-eddy simulation case study for the German Bight

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Maas ◽  
Siegfried Raasch
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Power Output ◽  
German Bight ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Large Eddy ◽  
Large Wind

Abstract. Germany’s expansion target for offshore wind power capacity of 40 GW by the year 2040 can only be reached if large portions of the Exclusive Economic Zone in the German Bight are equipped with wind farms. Because these wind farm clusters will be much larger than existing wind farms, it is unknown how they affect the boundary layer flow and how much power they will produce. The objective of this large-eddy-simulation study is to investigate the wake properties and the power output of very large potential wind farms in the German Bight for different turbine spacings, stabilities and boundary layer heights. The results show that very large wind farms cause flow effects that small wind farms do not. These effects include, but are not limited to, inversion layer displacement, counterclockwise flow deflection inside the boundary layer and clockwise flow deflection above the boundary layer. Wakes of very large wind farms are longer for shallower boundary layers and smaller turbine spacings, reaching values of more than 100 km. The wake in terms of turbulence intensity is approximately 20 km long, where longer wakes occur for convective boundary layers and shorter wakes for stable boundary layers. Very large wind farms in a shallow, stable boundary layer can excite gravity waves in the overlying free atmosphere, resulting in significant flow blockage. The power output of very large wind farms is higher for thicker boundary layers, because thick boundary layers contain more kinetic energy than thin boundary layers. The power density of the energy input by the geostrophic pressure gradient limits the power output of very large wind farms. Because this power density is very low (approximately 2 W m−2), the installed power density of very large wind farms should be small to achieve a good wind farm efficiency.

scholarly journals Chosen threats from wind farms located at sea

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 57-61
Author(s):  
Jerzy Herdzik
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Present Knowledge ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Wind Power Plant ◽  
Sea Wind ◽  
Energy Plants

Paper discussed the problem of threats from wind farm located at sea. It was presented the possibilities (depends on wind energy) of wind energy utilization on the Europe area. It was mentioned the conditions and perspectives of construction the sea wind energy plants in Europe and Poland. It was performed the wind turbines characteristics used on sea shelf. An example of planned investments on Polish economical area and territorial waters was mentioned. It was stayed focused on chosen threats, articulated through groups of people staying in opposite to wind turbine lobby, trying to stem the wind turbine development through localization limitations. The lobby of companies constructed the wind farms (having large funds) and legislation actions e.g. European Union preferring the energy obtained from renewable sources, stands in the opposition of people groups living on the areas in which the wind farms would be located and some groups of ecologists. It is a problem for neutral opinion when the arguments are different from these groups being in accordance with present knowledge and science achievements. Undoubtedly it is a necessary to undertake the compromise actions, allowing for wind power plant development.

scholarly journals Interannual variability of wind climates and wind turbine annual energy production

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 651-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara C. Pryor ◽  
Tristan J. Shepherd ◽  
Rebecca J. Barthelmie
Keyword(s):  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Interannual Variability ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Wind Farm ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Power Curve ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Eastern Usa

Abstract. The interannual variability (IAV) of expected annual energy production (AEP) from proposed wind farms plays a key role in dictating project financing. IAV in preconstruction projected AEP and the difference in 50th and 90th percentile (P50 and P90) AEP derive in part from variability in wind climates. However, the magnitude of IAV in wind speeds at or close to wind turbine hub heights is poorly defined and may be overestimated by assuming annual mean wind speeds are Gaussian distributed with a standard deviation (σ) of 6 %, as is widely applied within the wind energy industry. There is a need for improved understanding of the long-term wind resource and the IAV therein in order to generate more robust predictions of the financial value of a wind energy project. Long-term simulations of wind speeds near typical wind turbine hub heights over the eastern USA indicate median gross capacity factors (computed using 10 min wind speeds close to wind turbine hub heights and the power curve of the most common wind turbine deployed in the region) that are in good agreement with values derived from operational wind farms. The IAV of annual mean wind speeds at or near typical wind turbine hub heights in these simulations and AEP computed using the power curve of the most commonly deployed wind turbine is lower than is implied by assuming σ=6 %. Indeed, rather than 9 out of 10 years exhibiting AEP within 0.9 and 1.1 times the long-term mean AEP as implied by assuming a Gaussian distribution with σ of 6 %, the results presented herein indicate that in over 90 % of the area in the eastern USA that currently has operating wind turbines, simulated AEP lies within 0.94 and 1.06 of the long-term average. Further, the IAV of estimated AEP is not substantially larger than IAV in mean wind speeds. These results indicate it may be appropriate to reduce the IAV applied to preconstruction AEP estimates to account for variability in wind climates, which would decrease the cost of capital for wind farm developments.

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