Wind turbine information processing device, wind turbine information processing method, and wind turbine information processing program

Abstract

The present invention provides a wind turbine information processing device, a wind turbine information processing method, and a wind turbine information processing program that enable the realization of a suitable wind turbine arrangement through easy operation. [Solution] According to one embodiment, the wind turbine information processing device includes an input unit that accepts input of candidate installation locations for the first wind turbine to be installed via a GUI. Furthermore, the wind turbine information processing device includes a data analysis unit that performs a first data analysis at the candidate installation locations for the first wind turbine based on at least one of the following: a prediction model of wind conditions within a study area which is the area where the installation of the first wind turbine is being considered; wind farm data relating to the specifications of each wind turbine constituting the wind farm; and wind condition data within the study area. Furthermore, the wind turbine information processing device includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the candidate installation locations for the first wind turbine satisfy predetermined constraints based on the results of the first data analysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wind turbine information processing apparatus, a wind turbine information processing method, and a wind turbine information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] When designing a wind power generation facility including a plurality of wind turbines, it is desirable to select a suitable wind turbine layout for these wind turbines. For example, it is conceivable to select a wind turbine layout so as to achieve highly profitable wind power generation and the sound operation of these wind turbines.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, a method of selecting a suitable wind turbine layout using a device for the purpose of assisting in creating a wind farm plan is known. This system includes various data used for a wind farm plan, such as wind condition data. In this method, a wind farm plan is created using these data while considering elements that may cause business obstacles.

[0005] However, in this method, the operation status of existing wind turbines and the detailed wind condition analysis results used for site certification by a certification institution are not included, and it is impossible to achieve a wind turbine layout that balances an increase in the annual energy production (AEP) and the sound operation of the wind turbines.

[0006] Furthermore, a method is known that uses a pre-prepared wake model to determine a suitable wind turbine configuration. In this method, the suitability of the wind turbine configuration is judged based on wind condition data.

[0007] Other known methods include determining optimal wind turbine placement using wind condition data and topographic data, and determining optimal wind turbine placement using wind condition prediction models constructed based on CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) results. However, these methods make it difficult to achieve wind turbine placement that takes into account the operating conditions of existing wind turbines.

[0008] Furthermore, there is a need for a device that allows for easy comparison and analysis of different wind turbine configurations using a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0009] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a wind turbine information processing device, a wind turbine information processing method, and a wind turbine information processing program that can easily realize a suitable wind turbine arrangement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the wind turbine information processing device includes an input unit that accepts input of candidate installation locations for a first wind turbine via a GUI. Furthermore, the wind turbine information processing device includes a data analysis unit that performs a first data analysis at the candidate installation locations for the first wind turbine based on at least one of the following: a prediction model of wind conditions within a study area which is the area where the installation of the first wind turbine is being considered; wind farm data relating to the specifications of each wind turbine constituting the wind farm; and wind condition data within the study area. Furthermore, the wind turbine information processing device includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the candidate installation locations for the first wind turbine satisfy predetermined constraints based on the results of the first data analysis. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]This is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of the wind turbine information processing device in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing an example of a wind condition simulation model in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the governing equations in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the configuration of a wind turbine. [Figure 5] This is an example diagram illustrating the process of performing wind condition analysis at multiple grid points P1 within region R. [Figure 6] This is an example diagram illustrating the process of acquiring observational data at a grid point P2 within region R. [Figure 7] This is an example diagram illustrating the process of constructing a predictive model for wind conditions in region R. [Figure 8] This is an example diagram illustrating the process of analyzing SCADA data at location P3, which is the installation site of an existing wind turbine within region R. [Figure 9] This is an example diagram illustrating the process of displaying data analysis results on the display unit. [Figure 10] This is an example of the data analysis results performed by the data analysis unit in this embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an example flowchart showing the flow of wind turbine information processing in this embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a hardware configuration diagram of the wind turbine information processing device in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the proportions of each part may not necessarily be the same as those of actual objects. In the specification and drawings, elements similar to those described above with respect to previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0013] Also, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis described below indicate axes that are orthogonal to each other. The Z direction is the direction of gravity, and the X direction and Y direction are taken in a horizontal plane orthogonal to the direction of gravity. Also, the +Z direction corresponds to the upward direction, and the -Z direction corresponds to the downward direction. Also, as an example, the +X direction corresponds to the forward direction, and the -X direction corresponds to the backward direction. Also, the +Y direction corresponds to the right direction, and the -Y direction corresponds to the left direction. The forward direction and the backward direction may be reversed respectively, and the right direction and the left direction may be reversed respectively. The X direction is an example of the first direction, the Y direction is an example of the second direction, and the Z direction is an example of the third direction.

[0014] Also, in the following embodiments, the terms "above" and "below" can be appropriately read as "greater than" and "less than" respectively. Also, the terms "greater than" and "less than" can be appropriately read as "above" and "below" respectively.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of the windmill information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment.

[0016] The windmill information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment performs information processing related to windmills and is used to optimize the arrangement of windmills, for example, when designing a wind power generation facility including a plurality of windmills such as a wind farm. The windmill information processing apparatus 1 calculates comprehensive information regarding a plurality of windmills, such as wind constraint conditions, land constraint conditions, and social constraint conditions of the wind power generation facility, based on an input from a user via a GUI, and presents the calculation result to the user.

[0017] In the windmill information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, it can be used to optimize the windmill arrangement of a target windmill, such as the construction of a new windmill, replacement, or relocation. Also, hereinafter, the actual area where the arrangement of the windmill is considered is called the consideration area.

[0018] Also, hereinafter, in the consideration area, the windmill to be installed is also called the first windmill, and the existing windmill in this area is also called the second windmill.

[0019] Here, wind constraints refer to conditions related to wind constraints. Wind conditions include, for example, the annual amount of electricity generated from multiple wind turbines, the updraft angle of the wind flowing into each wind turbine, and the wake effect that the leeward wind turbine receives from the windward wind turbine. Wind conditions also include, for example, the extreme wind speed Vref (m / s) at the site of the wind power generation facility, Ve50 (m / s), which is the 3-second average expected value of the extreme wind speed Vref over a 50-year return period, an index I that shows the turbulent state in the region including the area under consideration, or an index that shows the change in wind speed in the vertical direction during a storm in that region. Wind conditions may further include various constraints related to wind.

[0020] Land constraints refer to conditions relating to the constraints on the land, including the area under consideration. These land conditions include, for example, distance constraints related to the distance from buildings, roads, rivers, coastlines, seabeds, etc., to potential wind turbine installation sites, and pollution constraints related to shading or noise caused by wind turbines. Furthermore, land conditions may also include, for example, construction constraints related to slopes, ground, or seabeds where wind turbines will be installed, and rights constraints related to land rights. Land conditions may also include various data relating to the topography, geography, or oceanographic conditions of the land (site) including the area under consideration.

[0021] Social constraints refer to the socially imposed limitations on the installation of wind turbines. These social constraints may include, for example, constraints related to considerations for the natural environment, such as the protection of flora and fauna or the preservation of landscapes, or constraints related to the protection of cultural properties. Social constraints may also include constraints related to areas where public benefit functions are required, such as areas where logging is prohibited to prevent soil erosion and landslides. Furthermore, social constraints may also include constraints related to various risk factors in the area where the wind power generation facility is installed.

[0022] The wind turbine information processing device 1 is, for example, a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). The wind turbine information processing device 1 is implemented, for example, by installing a computer program for wind turbine information processing on the PC. Installation may be performed by inserting a storage medium containing this computer program into the computer, or by downloading the computer program from a server on a network to the PC.

[0023] The wind turbine information processing device 1 in this embodiment comprises an input unit 11, an information processing unit 12, and a display unit 13. The information processing unit 12 also comprises a storage unit 21, a calculation unit 22, and a determination unit 23.

[0024] The memory unit 21 stores various data and programs. The memory unit 21 includes a CFD result storage unit 21a, a wind turbine data storage unit 21b, a detailed wind condition data storage unit 21c, a long-term wind condition data storage unit 21d, a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) data storage unit 21e, a wind farm data storage unit 21f, a setpoint storage unit 21g, a topography data storage unit 21h, and a social conditions data storage unit 21i. Details of these functional blocks will be described later.

[0025] The calculation unit 22 performs various calculations. The calculation unit 22 includes a simulation unit 22a, a model building unit 22b, and a data analysis unit 22c, and the details of these functional blocks will be described later.

[0026] The determination unit 23 performs various determinations based on the calculation results of the calculation unit. Details of the determination unit 23 will be described later.

[0027] The calculation unit 22 and the determination unit 23 are composed of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor executes a computer program for wind turbine information processing, thereby realizing each functional block of the calculation unit 22 and the determination unit 23.

[0028] The input unit 11 receives various input operations from the user and outputs information corresponding to the input operations to the information processing unit 12. The input unit 11 is composed of input devices such as a mouse or keyboard. In this embodiment, input from the input unit 11 is performed by operations on a GUI. For example, the latitude and longitude corresponding to the location clicked by the user with the mouse on the map data are output to the information processing unit 12. Alternatively, the latitude and longitude directly entered by the user are output to the information processing unit 12. This allows the user to specify candidate locations for wind turbine installation.

[0029] The display unit 13 displays map data on its screen along with various information output from the information processing unit 12. The display unit 13 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The information from the information processing unit 12 may be displayed locally on the display unit 13 of the wind turbine information processing device 1 using, for example, an HDMI® cable or a VGA cable, or it may be displayed remotely on a display unit other than the wind turbine information processing device 1 via a network.

[0030] The details of each functional block of the memory unit 21 will be described below.

[0031] The CFD result storage unit 21a stores the wind condition analysis results for the study area as CFD analysis results. These CFD results may be obtained using simulation results from the simulation unit 22a described later, or data may be acquired from other devices.

[0032] The wind turbine data storage unit 21b stores wind turbine data relating to the specifications of the wind turbine being considered for installation and existing wind turbines. For example, the wind turbine data includes the wind turbine power curve, hub height, and rotor diameter.

[0033] The detailed wind condition data storage unit 21c stores data on wind conditions observed at the site. For example, the detailed wind condition data includes time-series observation data of wind speed, wind direction, and wind speed standard deviation at different altitudes. Generally, wind turbines in operation routinely observe the wind condition data described above. In addition, wind condition surveys are conducted at potential installation sites using wind condition observation towers, etc. Therefore, this observation data may be used as detailed wind condition data. The detailed wind condition data is an example of first wind condition data.

[0034] The long-term wind condition data storage unit 21d stores data on wind conditions over long periods, such as the past several decades. Such long-term data is useful for understanding the trends in wind conditions in a given area. As described later, in this embodiment, this data is also used to correct the detailed wind condition data mentioned above for average years. For example, the long-term wind condition data includes wind speed and wind direction data provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency, private companies that provide weather information, and other research institutions. For example, the long-term wind condition data is obtained by the input unit 11 downloading it from an external server via a network (not shown). The long-term wind condition data is an example of the second wind condition data.

[0035] The SCADA data storage unit 21e stores SCADA data of existing wind turbines. For example, the SCADA data includes information on wind conditions, such as time-series data of wind speed and wind direction at the hub height. In addition, the SCADA data includes information on the wind turbine's orientation, such as the latitude and longitude of the wind turbine installation site, blade pitch angle, blade azimuth angle, and the wind turbine's power output, as well as data on the wind turbine's operating status, such as power generation, operating rate, and capacity factor.

[0036] The wind farm data storage unit 21f stores data for the entire wind farm. For example, the wind farm data includes data on the specifications of each wind turbine that makes up the wind farm, such as the latitude and longitude, wind turbine power curve, hub height, and rotor diameter.

[0037] The setting value storage unit 21g stores various setting values ​​used by the information processing unit 12 when performing information processing. For example, these setting values ​​include tolerance values ​​for various wind condition parameters used in the prediction model described later.

[0038] The terrain data storage unit 21h stores terrain data for the area including the study area, such as land conditions. For example, the terrain data includes map data, roughness of the terrain around the wind turbine location, elevation, and terrain complexity, which indicates the complexity of the terrain. If the area including the study area is offshore, the terrain data may also include information on the distance from the shore, water depth, and seabed conditions.

[0039] The social conditions data storage unit 21i stores data related to the social aspects of the area where the wind power generation facility is installed, such as social conditions.

[0040] In this embodiment, the data stored in the storage unit 21 described above may be input by the user via the input unit 11 during calculations performed by the wind turbine information processing device 1, or it may be input in advance before calculations, such as when the wind turbine information processing device 1 is installed.

[0041] Furthermore, instead of users manually inputting the data stored in the memory unit 21, the data may be automatically acquired by, for example, providing a data acquisition function block in the information processing unit 12.

[0042] Furthermore, inputting the latitude and longitude of each wind turbine in the wind farm data is primarily done through GUI input, such as clicking on any point on the map data with the mouse, but it is also possible to specify the latitude and longitude by directly entering them.

[0043] Next, we will describe the details of each functional block of the arithmetic unit 22.

[0044] The simulation unit 22a simulates wind conditions in the analysis domain and outputs the wind condition simulation results for the analysis domain. The analysis domain is a computational domain corresponding to the study domain. The simulation unit 22a simulates wind conditions in the analysis domain using existing wind condition analysis software. The wind condition simulation performed by the simulation unit 22a will be referred to as wind condition analysis below. The results of the wind condition analysis may be used for site authentication.

[0045] The model building unit 22b constructs a prediction model of wind conditions within the study area using at least one of the following: wind condition analysis results stored in the CFD result storage unit 21a, wind turbine data stored in the wind turbine data storage unit 21b, detailed wind condition data stored in the detailed wind condition data storage unit 21c, and long-term wind condition data stored in the long-term wind condition data storage unit 21d. The model building unit 22b constructs the prediction model using, for example, regression analysis methods such as Gaussian process regression. The model building unit 22b may also construct the prediction model using other methods such as neural networks, random forests, or support vector machines.

[0046] The wind condition prediction model in this embodiment is a model that uses the position coordinates of one wind turbine as an explanatory variable. Examples of wind conditions predicted by the prediction model include the annual power generation amount at the target position coordinates, the wind updraft angle, the wake effect, the extreme wind speed Vref, Ve50, an index I indicating the turbulent state in the region including the area under consideration, or an index indicating the change in wind speed in the vertical direction during a storm. The model construction unit 22b constructs the prediction model using, for example, the wind condition analysis results and wind conditions.

[0047] The data analysis unit 22c uses at least one of the following to perform a detailed data analysis of candidate wind turbine installation sites and existing wind turbine installation sites in the analysis domain: the prediction model constructed by the model construction unit 22b, the wind farm data stored in the wind farm data storage unit 21f, and the detailed wind condition data stored in the detailed wind condition data storage unit 21c. Existing analysis methods can be used for the detailed data analysis performed by the data analysis unit 22c. For example, the data analysis unit 22c outputs the wind rose, frequency distribution by wind speed class, turbulence intensity by wind speed class, altitude distribution of wind speed, and annual power generation amount considering the wake effect of wind turbines placed in the surrounding area as analysis results for each of the candidate wind turbine installation sites and existing wind turbine installation sites.

[0048] The data analysis unit 22c further compares predicted wind conditions and predicted annual power generation for existing wind turbine installation sites with actual values ​​obtained from SCADA data, and analyzes the factors causing the deviation of predicted values ​​from actual values. For example, for existing wind turbines, the data analysis unit 22c analyzes factors from the perspectives of power curve loss, yaw error (the deviation of the wind turbine's attitude relative to the wind direction), operating rate, and normal wind speed correction. The data analysis unit 22c may also compare the results of the factor analysis with pre-defined thresholds and propose candidate wind turbine installation sites to the user. For example, by comparing with thresholds, unsuitable locations for wind turbine installation can be suggested to the user by color-coding the map data or outputting error messages. The data analysis unit 22c outputs the data analysis results to the judgment unit 23. The data analysis at candidate wind turbine installation sites is an example of the first data analysis, and the data analysis at existing wind turbine installation sites is an example of the second data analysis.

[0049] Next, the determination unit 23 will be explained. The determination unit 23 determines whether the candidate installation site for the wind turbine meets predetermined conditions based on the data analysis results of the wind turbine to be installed. This makes it possible to determine whether each candidate site is an appropriate location. The predetermined conditions include, for example, wind constraints, land constraints, or social constraints. For example, the determination unit 23 determines whether each candidate site meets wind conditions such as "the wind must not be too weak" or "the wind must not be too strong." The determination unit 23 also determines that a candidate site that meets all constraints is an appropriate location.

[0050] When installing wind turbines, for example, transportation costs for equipment and materials tend to increase with distance. Also, construction costs and operating costs can vary significantly depending on the installation location of the wind turbine. Therefore, the determination unit 23 may add the construction costs and operating costs of the wind turbine to be installed as conditions for determination. For example, the determination unit 23 may determine that the constraints are not met for installation candidate sites where the construction cost or operating cost of the wind turbine to be installed is above a threshold.

[0051] Furthermore, when wind turbines are installed on the upwind and downwind sides relative to the direction of wind flow, if a predetermined separation distance is not maintained, the downwind wind turbine will not be able to receive sufficient wind. For this reason, the determination unit 23 may add the separation distance between wind turbines as a condition for determination. For example, the determination unit 23 may determine that a candidate installation site does not meet the constraints if, in a certain wind direction, the separation distance between two wind turbines, including the wind turbine to be installed, is less than a threshold.

[0052] Furthermore, the determination unit 23 may add constraints related to fishing ports and other social conditions to determine whether each candidate location is an appropriate location.

[0053] The determination unit 23 displays the results of its determination of whether or not the above-mentioned constraints are met, along with the data analysis results and the SCADA data of the existing wind turbine, on the display unit 13. In addition, when displaying this data, the determination unit 23 may display the results of its determination of areas that satisfy and areas that do not satisfy predetermined conditions within the analysis area by color-coding the map data.

[0054] The display unit 13 may also display information that poses risks when installing wind turbines, such as lightning strikes, topography, or tidal currents, as well as the results of an analysis of factors that cause discrepancies between predicted wind conditions for existing wind turbines and predicted annual power generation, respectively. Users can determine a suitable wind turbine arrangement based on the information displayed on the display unit 13.

[0055] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of the wind condition simulation model 2 in this embodiment.

[0056] In this embodiment, the simulation unit 22a performs wind condition analysis using the wind condition simulation model shown in Figure 2. As shown in this figure, the wind condition simulation model 2 includes an analysis center 31, a minimum analysis grid range 32, a target region 33, an analysis region 34, an additional region 35, an upstream buffer region 41, a downstream buffer region 42, and lateral buffer regions 43 and 44. Furthermore, this figure shows the wind turbine position P and the inflow wind W. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 22a performs wind condition analysis on the analysis region 34 shown in the figure.

[0057] The incoming wind W is the wind flowing into the wind turbine from the windward side. In this example, the incoming wind W flows towards the wind turbine at position P via the additional region 35.

[0058] The analysis center 31 is the central position of the analysis of the wind condition simulation model 2. The minimum analysis grid range 32 is the region of the smallest constituent unit of the target area 33 of the wind condition simulation.

[0059] The analysis region 34 is a region that encircles the target region 33 in a ring shape. The additional region 35 is located on the upwind side of the analysis region 34 and is an additional region attached to the analysis region 34. The additional region 35 also serves as a buffer region upstream of the analysis region 34 and is a region that stabilizes the flow of the incoming wind W.

[0060] In this embodiment, the simulation unit 22a performs wind condition analysis on the analysis region 34, but it may also perform wind condition analysis on a wider region or a narrower region.

[0061] The upstream buffer region 41 is the region adjacent to the additional region 35 on the upwind side of the additional region 35. The downstream buffer region 42 is the region adjacent to the analysis region 34 on the downwind side of the analysis region 34.

[0062] The lateral buffer regions 43 and 44 are regions adjacent to the sides of the analysis region 34 and the additional region 35. In this figure, the lateral buffer region 43 is located in the +Y direction of the analysis region 34 and the additional region 35, and the lateral buffer region 44 is located in the -Y direction of the analysis region 34 and the additional region 35.

[0063] In this embodiment, before the wind condition simulation, the user specifies the area to be studied by operating on the GUI using the input unit 11.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, before the wind condition simulation, the user inputs various data from the input unit 11 to be stored in the storage unit 21. For example, the user inputs topographic data for the region including the area under consideration. The input topographic data is stored in the topographic data storage unit 21h.

[0065] Furthermore, before the wind condition simulation, the user inputs wind inflow conditions such as wind direction, wind speed, and turbulence intensity, as well as wind turbine information such as wind turbine shape and number of wind turbines, from the input unit 11.

[0066] Furthermore, the user inputs data on other constraints such as wind conditions, land conditions, and social conditions through the input unit 11. The data entered by the user in this way is used in the wind condition simulation. For example, in addition to the specified study area and topographic data, the inflow conditions and constraints of the wind flowing into each wind turbine are reflected in each area of ​​the wind condition simulation model 2.

[0067] Figure 3 illustrates the governing equations in this embodiment.

[0068] In this embodiment, the simulation unit 22a generates a wind condition simulation model 2 for calculating predetermined physical quantities based on the governing equations shown in Figure 3. The governing equations in this embodiment are the Navier-Stokes equations shown in the figure. In the wind condition simulation of this embodiment, the Navier-Stokes equations are adopted as the governing equations that express the physical laws within the mesh model in mathematical equations.

[0069] ρ represents the density of the fluid, μ represents the viscosity of the fluid, and ν represents the kinematic viscosity of the fluid. In this embodiment, the fluid is air. In addition to the time term, pressure term, advection term, and viscosity term, the Navier-Stokes equations include an external force term derived from the external force F from the wind turbine rotor. When the Navier-Stokes equations are expressed as three equations for the X, Y, and Z directions, the external force term is a vector quantity represented by the X component Fx, Y component Fy, and Z component Fz of the external force F.

[0070] Figure 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the wind turbine 3.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, the wind turbine 3 comprises a tower 51, a nacelle 52, a hub 53, and multiple blades 54. When the wind turbine 3 is installed offshore, other components such as floating structures and mooring lines (not shown) may be included.

[0072] The tower 51 extends upward in the Z direction from its lower end on the ground side to its upper end on the nacelle 52 side. The nacelle 52 is attached to the upper end of the tower 51 and houses a generator (not shown). The hub 53 is attached to the rotor of the generator. Each blade 54 is attached to the hub 53.

[0073] As the multiple blades 54 rotate due to wind power, the rotation of these blades 54 is transmitted to the generator via the hub 53 and the rotating shaft. As a result, the generator is driven by wind power and generates an alternating current voltage.

[0074] Figures 5 to 9 are examples of diagrams illustrating the process of displaying the data analysis results of candidate wind turbine installation locations on the display unit 13 in this embodiment.

[0075] Figure 5 is an example diagram illustrating the flow of wind condition analysis at multiple grid points P1 within region R. The simulation unit 22a outputs wind condition analysis results for these grid points P1 located within region R (in this example, a region of several km x several km is assumed) represented on the X and Y axes, and stores them in the CFD result storage unit 21a.

[0076] Figure 6 is an example diagram illustrating the process of acquiring observation data at a grid point P2 within region R. The input unit 11 acquires a wide variety of data as observation data, including the detailed wind condition data and long-term wind condition data described above, with different observation periods and locations. For the sake of simplicity, grid point P2 is treated as a single location, but the input unit 11 may acquire observation data from multiple locations observed within region R.

[0077] Figure 7 is an example of a diagram illustrating the process of constructing a wind condition prediction model in region R. The model construction unit 22b constructs a wind condition prediction model in region R based on the wind condition analysis results at grid point P1 and detailed wind condition data at grid point P2. As part of the prediction model construction procedure, first, the model construction unit 22b performs normal year correction on the detailed wind condition data based on long-term wind condition data. Then, the model construction unit 22b performs spatial correction on the various data after normal year correction based on CFD results and wind turbine data to calculate predicted values ​​at arbitrary latitude, longitude, and altitude. Finally, the model construction unit 22b constructs prediction models for various wind conditions in region R using regression analysis such as Gaussian process regression, based on the calculated predicted values ​​and wind condition analysis results.

[0078] Furthermore, the data analysis unit 22c performs a detailed data analysis of one or more designated points P4 within the region R, which are candidate locations for wind turbine installation, based on detailed wind condition data or the model construction unit 22b. For the data analysis, the user specifies the designated points P4 on the map data displayed on the GUI using an input device such as a mouse.

[0079] Figure 8 is an example diagram illustrating the flow of SCADA data analysis at location P3, which is the installation site of an existing wind turbine within region R. The data analysis unit 22c analyzes the SCADA data for location P3 of the existing wind turbines within region R from the SCADA data stored in the SCADA data storage unit 21e. Location P3 may be any single location, or it may be all the installation sites of existing wind turbines. The data analysis unit 22c at P3 analyzes the factors causing the predicted value to deviate from the actual value by comparing the predicted value of the annual power generation at location P3 with the actual value of the annual power generation obtained from the SCADA data. The results of the SCADA data analysis by the data analysis unit 22c are displayed as wind condition data analysis results for location P3 as reference information for comparison by the user.

[0080] Figure 9 is an example diagram illustrating the flow of displaying data analysis results on the display unit 13. In this diagram, for the sake of simplicity, the display of the judgment results by the judgment unit 23 is omitted. The data analysis unit 22c outputs the data analysis results for the specified location P4. In this example, the specified location P4 is shown with a wind turbine icon, and the wind rose diagram for the specified location P4 is displayed as the data analysis result. In addition, the analysis results of the SCADA data for location P3 may be output as reference information.

[0081] Figure 10 shows an example of the data analysis results by the data analysis unit 22c in this embodiment.

[0082] Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of the wind rose shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, at designated point P4, the frequency of southwesterly (SW) winds is high during the specified period, followed by south-southwesterly (SSW) winds.

[0083] Figure 11 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of wind turbine information processing in this embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, the user performs GUI operations to set predetermined conditions such as the area to be examined from the input unit 11 via an input device, and then specifies a designated point P4, after which the wind turbine information processing device 1 performs data analysis at that point.

[0085] In step S1, the input unit 11 accepts input of various condition settings via GUI operation by the user. For example, the user inputs information about the area under consideration and various information stored in the memory unit 21.

[0086] In this example, the data stored in the wind turbine data storage unit 21b, detailed wind condition data storage unit 21c, long-term wind condition data storage unit 21d, SCADA data storage unit 21e, wind farm data storage unit 21f, setting value storage unit 21g, topographic data storage unit 21h, and social conditions data storage unit 21i are also entered by the user at this time. However, some or all of this data may be entered in advance. In this way, even users without specialized knowledge can check the data analysis results by the wind turbine information processing device 1 simply by entering the designated location P4, thereby reducing their burden.

[0087] Furthermore, in step S1, the simulation unit 22a sets various conditions based on the information received from the user when simulating wind conditions.

[0088] In step S2, the simulation unit 22a performs a wind condition simulation in the analysis domain 34, which is a computational domain corresponding to the domain under consideration, and outputs the simulation results. The wind condition simulation results are stored in the CFD result storage unit 21a. The wind condition simulation performed at this time is carried out using the conditions set in step S1.

[0089] In step S3, the model building unit 22b performs normal year correction on the detailed wind condition data based on the long-term wind condition data. Subsequently, the model building unit 22b performs spatial correction on the various data that have been normal year corrected, based on the CFD results and wind turbine data. Normal year correction is performed, for example, by taking the ratio of the observed value to the normal value based on the long-term wind condition data for the target wind condition parameter and multiplying it by the value in the detailed wind condition data. Spatial correction is performed, for example, by taking the ratio of two locations based on the CFD results for the target wind condition parameter and multiplying it by the value in the detailed wind condition data.

[0090] In step S4, the model building unit 22b constructs a predictive model of the wind conditions in the analysis area based on at least one of the wind condition analysis results, wind turbine data, and detailed wind condition data corrected for average years or spatially.

[0091] In step S5, the data analysis unit 22c performs a detailed wind condition data analysis at one or more designated locations P4 that are candidate sites for wind turbine installation and at existing wind turbine installation sites. The wind condition data analysis is performed based on detailed wind condition data or a wind condition prediction model. These designated locations P4 may be specified in step S5 by user input via GUI operation, or they may be specified in step S1.

[0092] In step S6, the data analysis unit 22c analyzes SCADA data at the existing wind turbine installation site. Examples of SCADA data analysis include calculating wind condition parameters based on observed wind condition data and evaluating wind turbine health based on information regarding wind turbine operating status. In addition to the SCADA data analysis, the data analysis unit 22c compares the predicted wind conditions and annual power generation at the existing wind turbine installation site with the measured values ​​obtained from the SCADA data and analyzes the factors causing the discrepancy between the predicted and measured values.

[0093] In step S7, the data analysis unit 22c calculates the annual amount of electricity generated at the designated point P4, taking into account the wake effect of wind turbines located in the surrounding area, and outputs it as an analysis result.

[0094] In step S8, the determination unit 23 determines whether the designated point P4 satisfies various constraint conditions. A wind turbine arrangement that satisfies predetermined set values ​​for wind conditions is, for example, an arrangement in which the extreme wind speed Vref is smaller than the threshold value set in step S1. The determination unit 23 displays information on the display unit 13, along with the data analysis results, which indicates whether the predetermined conditions are satisfied for the candidate wind turbine installation points within the analysis area 34.

[0095] After this information is displayed on the display unit 13, the user can select a new candidate location for the wind turbine on the GUI and compare the data analysis results for each candidate location. This allows the user to select the most suitable location for the wind turbine.

[0096] The wind turbine information processing device 1 of this embodiment may display not only wind turbine arrangements in the analysis region 34 that satisfy predetermined constraints such as land conditions and social conditions, but also wind turbine arrangements in the analysis region that do not satisfy predetermined land conditions or social conditions. In this case, it is desirable that the wind turbine information processing device 1 can distinguish between wind turbine arrangements that satisfy the constraints and those that do not, for example, by using color coding or outputting warning messages.

[0097] Figure 12 is a hardware configuration diagram of the wind turbine information processing device 1 in this embodiment.

[0098] The wind turbine information processing device 1 in Figure 12 includes a processor 152 such as a CPU, a main memory 153 such as RAM, an auxiliary storage device 154 such as an HDD, a network interface 155 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board, a device interface 156 such as memory slots and memory ports, and a bus 157 that connects these devices to each other. The wind turbine information processing device 1 is, for example, a computer such as a PC, and includes external input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and a display unit 13 such as an LCD monitor.

[0099] In this embodiment, a program for causing a computer to perform information processing on the wind turbine information processing device 1 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 154. The wind turbine information processing device 1 loads this program into the main storage device 153 and executes it using the processor 152. This enables the functions of the information processing unit 12 shown in Figure 1 to be realized within the wind turbine information processing device 1, making the information processing described in this embodiment possible. The data generated by this information processing is temporarily held in the main storage device 153 or stored and saved in the auxiliary storage device 154.

[0100] The memory unit 21 is composed of memory and storage such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive). Typically, the memory unit 21 is built on an auxiliary storage device 154. Each piece of information stored in the memory unit 21 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 154 and loaded into the main memory 153 when the program is executed.

[0101] Furthermore, the wind turbine information processing device 1 is connected to a network (not shown) via a network interface 155. The wind turbine information processing device 1 also controls the network interface 155 via an input unit 11 to acquire long-term wind condition data from an external server.

[0102] The wind turbine information processing device 1 may further include a communication interface for controlling communication with other devices and a memory port for attaching external memory.

[0103] The power generation performance evaluation program for the wind turbine information processing device 1 can be installed, for example, by attaching an external device 158 containing this program to the device interface 156 and storing the program from the external device 158 to the auxiliary storage device 154. An example of the external device 158 is a computer-readable recording medium or a recording device that incorporates such a recording medium. Examples of recording media include CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable), flexible disk, DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable), while an example of a recording device is an HDD. Furthermore, this program can be installed, for example, by downloading it via the network interface 155. This makes it possible to implement the functions of the wind turbine information processing device 1 using software.

[0104] According to this embodiment, the wind turbine information processing device 1 calculates comprehensive information regarding multiple wind turbines, such as wind conditions, land conditions, and social conditions for wind power generation facilities, based on input from the user via a GUI, and presents the calculation results to the user. This allows the user to determine a suitable location for installing the wind turbines.

[0105] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the wind turbine information processing device 1 presents the user with data related to the operation of existing wind turbines, such as SCADA data. Compared to general wind turbine installation site selection methods such as observation data and CFD results, the user can select a wind turbine installation site that takes into account the actual operating conditions.

[0106] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the wind turbine information processing device 1 constructs a wind condition prediction model based on detailed wind condition data and wind condition analysis results, and then analyzes the factors that cause the predicted wind condition values ​​at the existing wind turbine installation site to deviate from the measured values ​​in SCADA data. Generally, when replacing a wind turbine, the existing wind turbine and the replacement wind turbine are different models, making it difficult to use the SCADA data of the existing wind turbine to determine the placement of the replacement wind turbine. However, by using the wind turbine information processing device 1 according to this embodiment, users can select a wind turbine placement that reflects the operating records of the existing wind turbine.

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the wind turbine information processing device 1 analyzes the factors that cause the predicted annual power generation amount of existing wind turbines to deviate from the measured values ​​in SCADA data. Generally, the placement of wind turbines is selected based on the total amount of annual power generation, and by referring to the results of the factor analysis of the annual power generation amount of these existing wind turbines, users can more easily select a more appropriate wind turbine placement.

[0108] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the data analysis unit 22c displays SCADA data of existing wind turbines in addition to the analysis results described above. By considering the effects of wind turbulence and gusts on existing wind turbines, users can select wind turbine installation locations from a more comprehensive perspective, including the strength evaluation of the wind turbines to be installed.

[0109] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after a wind condition prediction model is constructed by the wind turbine information processing device 1, the user can simply select several candidate locations for wind turbine installation on the GUI and compare and examine each of them. In general wind turbine placement selection, wind condition analysis is repeatedly performed using wind condition analysis software until a wind turbine placement that satisfies various constraints is obtained. In other words, with the wind turbine information processing device 1 of this embodiment, there is no need to perform such repeated wind condition analysis, making it possible for the user to select a wind turbine placement quickly and easily.

[0110] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel wind turbine information processing device 1 described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the wind turbine information processing device 1 described herein, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents are intended to include such embodiments and modifications included in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1: Wind turbine information processing device, 2: Wind condition simulation model, 3: Wind turbine 11: Input unit, 12: Information processing unit, 13: Display unit, 21: Storage unit, 21a: CFD result storage unit, 21b: Wind turbine data storage unit, 21c: Detailed wind condition data storage unit, 21d: Long-term wind condition data storage unit, 21e: SCADA data storage unit, 21f: Wind farm data storage unit, 21g: Setting value storage unit, 21h: Terrain data storage unit, 21i: Social conditions data storage unit, 22: Calculation unit, 22a: Simulation unit, 22b: Model building unit, 22c: Data analysis unit, 23: Judgment unit, 31: Analysis center, 32: Minimum analysis grid range, 33: Target area, 34: Analysis area, 35: Additional area, 41: Upstream buffer area, 42: Downstream buffer zone, 43: Lateral buffer zone, 44: Lateral buffer zone, 51: Tower, 52: Nacelle, 53: Hub, 54: Blade, 152: Processor 153: Main memory, 154: Secondary memory, 155: Network interface, 156: Device interface, 157: Bus, 158: External device

Claims

1. An input unit that accepts input of candidate installation locations for the first wind turbine via a GUI (Graphical User Interface), A data analysis unit performs a first data analysis at a candidate installation site for the first wind turbine based on at least one of the following: a prediction model of wind conditions within the study area, which is the area where the installation of the first wind turbine is being considered; wind farm data relating to the specifications of each wind turbine constituting the wind farm; and wind condition data within the study area. The system includes a determination unit that determines whether the candidate installation site for the first wind turbine satisfies predetermined constraints based on the results of the first data analysis, Wind turbine information processing device.

2. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the results of the first data analysis include at least one of the following at the candidate installation site of the first wind turbine: a wind rose, a frequency distribution of occurrences by wind speed class, a turbulence intensity by wind speed class, an altitude distribution of wind speed, and the annual amount of power generated considering the influence of the wake from an existing second wind turbine within the study area.

3. The aforementioned data analysis unit, Based on at least one of the wind condition prediction model, the wind farm data, and the wind condition data, a second data analysis is performed at the installation site of the existing second wind turbine within the study area. The predicted values ​​of the wind conditions at the installation site of the second wind turbine, calculated by the second data analysis, are compared with the measured values ​​of the wind conditions, and the factors causing the discrepancy between them are further analyzed. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned data analysis unit, Based on at least one of the wind condition prediction model, the wind farm data, and the wind condition data, a second data analysis is performed at the installation site of the existing second wind turbine within the study area. The predicted annual power generation at the installation site of the second wind turbine, calculated by the second data analysis, is compared with the measured annual power generation, and the factors causing the discrepancy are further analyzed. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 1.

5. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the GUI is map data.

6. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the results of the first data analysis or the second data analysis are displayed together with map data in the area under consideration.

7. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the result of the determination is displayed in the map data.

8. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the map data includes at least one piece of information from lightning strikes, topography, and tidal currents, and further displays information that poses a risk when installing the first wind turbine.

9. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the constraints are met using at least one of the following conditions: wind constraints, land constraints including the area under consideration, and social constraints imposed on the installation of the first wind turbine.

10. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the constraint conditions are met based on the construction cost or operating cost of the first wind turbine.

11. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the constraint conditions are met based on the separation distance between wind turbines according to the wind direction.

12. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the prediction model is constructed using at least one of the wind condition analysis results, wind turbine data relating to the first wind turbine, and the wind condition data within the study area.

13. The wind turbine information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the wind constraints include the influence of the wake from an existing second wind turbine within the study area.

14. The GUI accepts input of candidate locations for the installation of the first wind turbine. Based on at least one of the following, a prediction model of wind conditions within the study area (the area where the installation of the first wind turbine is being considered), wind farm data relating to the specifications of each wind turbine constituting the wind farm, and wind condition data within the study area, a first data analysis is performed at the candidate installation site for the first wind turbine. Based on the results of the first data analysis, it is determined whether the candidate installation site for the first wind turbine satisfies predetermined constraints. A wind turbine information processing method that includes the following.

15. The GUI accepts input of candidate locations for the installation of the first wind turbine. Based on at least one of the following, a prediction model of wind conditions within the study area (the area where the installation of the first wind turbine is being considered), wind farm data relating to the specifications of each wind turbine constituting the wind farm, and wind condition data within the study area, a first data analysis is performed at the candidate installation site for the first wind turbine. Based on the results of the first data analysis, it is determined whether the candidate installation site for the first wind turbine satisfies predetermined constraints. A wind turbine information processing program that causes a computer to execute a wind turbine information processing method that includes the following.

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