Lidar Wind Farm Energy Yield Forecasting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Determining energy yield forecasts for wind farms in complex terrain is complex and uncertain due to inaccuracies in wind measurements, which are often taken at positions deviating from wind turbine locations, and require costly and complex installations of wind measurement masts or high-uncertainty numerical models.
Innovation Solution
A method using at least two ground-based lidar scanners to measure meteorological parameters directly above the wind farm, eliminating the need for horizontal or vertical extrapolation, and allowing for more accurate determination of wind conditions and energy yield forecasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wind measurement masts are installed at representative locations within the wind farm, then wind measurements can be taken, but the deviation of measurement position from wind turbine leads to inaccuracies in yield forecast and installation is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wind measurement masts with a lidar scanner system that uses optical/laser technology to measure wind parameters. The lidar scanner emits laser beams to measure wind speed and direction at multiple points above the wind farm, eliminating the need for physical masts and their associated installation complexity while improving measurement precision through direct positioning above turbine locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based measurements at representative locations to spatially distributed measurements above the wind farm area. By positioning the lidar scanner above the wind farm and measuring at multiple spatial points, the system captures wind field characteristics in three-dimensional space, eliminating extrapolation errors and improving forecast accuracy
2Reliability
If wind measurement masts are installed to validate numerical models, then model uncertainties can be reduced, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical mast installation with a portable lidar scanner system that can be quickly deployed. The lidar scanner measures wind parameters directly above the wind farm without requiring permanent structural installations, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable validation capability for numerical models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary wind field characterization and model validation before final wind farm deployment. By using the lidar scanner to measure wind parameters at critical locations prior to turbine installation, the system allows for early model validation and yield forecast optimization, eliminating the need for post-installation mast deployment
3Productivity
If numerical wind models are used to determine wind conditions, then yield forecasts can be generated, but high model uncertainties require at least one measurement for validation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect numerical modeling with direct optical measurement using lidar technology. The lidar scanner directly measures wind speed and direction at multiple points above the wind farm, providing accurate wind field data without relying on numerical models. This eliminates model uncertainties while maintaining the ability to generate comprehensive yield forecasts through spatial analysis of measurement data
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces uncertainty in energy yield forecasts, optimizes financing and implementation of wind farm projects, and minimizes installation time and costs by providing direct measurements at wind turbine positions, leading to more reliable and efficient energy yield predictions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one meteorological parameter in the spatial region above the area of the wind farm using at least two lidar scanners
Implementation Method 2
measuring at least one meteorological parameter in the spatial region above the area of the wind farm using at least two lidar scanners
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method (400) for making an energy yield forecast for an existing or planned wind farm (112) having a plurality of wind turbines (100), in particular for an onshore wind farm having complex terrain (200), comprising the following steps: a) measuring (440) at least one meteorological parameter in the spatial region above the surface of the wind farm (112) by means of at least two lidar scanners (300), b) using (480) the measured meteorological parameter for the energy yield forecast of the wind farm (112). The invention further relates to an associated wind farm (112) and improves energy yield forecasting for wind farms.