Wind Energy Plant Layout Optimization for Grid Demand Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind energy plant layout optimization methods often result in high power production during periods of low grid demand and low production during high demand periods, failing to effectively match power output with grid requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves providing an initial layout of wind turbines, obtaining site condition data, estimating expected power output, forecasting grid demand, and performing an optimization process to match power output with demand, including adjusting turbine positions, types, and configurations to achieve an optimized layout that aligns with forecasted power needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the layout is optimized to maximize capacity factor and total power output, then the power production increases, but the power output does not match the grid demand (high production during low demand periods and low production during high demand periods)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetotal power outputVSAvoidmatching power output to grid demand

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optimization parameters from solely maximizing capacity factor to matching power output with grid demand. The optimization process considers temporal variations in grid demand and adjusts turbine positions accordingly, transforming the objective function from static capacity maximization to dynamic demand matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic considerations into the layout optimization by accounting for time-varying grid demand patterns. The optimization process evaluates power output matching across different time periods (daily, seasonal variations), making the system adaptable to changing demand conditions rather than optimizing for a single static metric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If more wind turbines are positioned at the site to increase power production, then the total power output increases, but the complexity of the layout and site utilization constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower productionVSAvoidlayout complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optimization process into distinct phases: initial layout generation, constraint validation, and iterative optimization. The site is divided into discrete positions that can be individually evaluated against constraints, allowing systematic management of complexity while maximizing power production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by first establishing the initial layout and validating it against all site constraints (boundaries, unavailable areas, minimum distances) before proceeding to optimization. This preliminary constraint satisfaction reduces the search space and simplifies subsequent optimization iterations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the turbine positions are adjusted to match power output with grid demand, then the adaptability to grid requirements improves, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematching power output to grid demandVSAvoidlayout implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by evaluating the initial layout against grid demand patterns and iteratively adjusting positions based on performance metrics. The optimization process uses feedback from power output calculations and constraint violations to guide position adjustments, balancing adaptability with implementation feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making targeted adjustments to specific turbine positions rather than redesigning the entire layout. The optimization focuses on local position modifications that improve demand matching while maintaining overall layout integrity and minimizing implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The method ensures that the wind energy plant's power output is adequately matched with grid demand, minimizing excess power production and optimizing energy production to meet varying grid requirements throughout the day and year.

Implementation Method 1

a wind energy plant comprising a plurality of wind turbines (2) to be erected within a given site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power: Wind Power

Data Source

PatentUS20240202380A1A method of determining a layout of a wind energy plant

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

Techniques for determining a layout of a wind energy plant comprising a plurality of wind turbines at a site, where the wind turbines are configured for connection to a power grid having a power demand. Techniques include: providing an initial layout of wind turbines at initial positions within the site; obtaining site condition data for the initial layout; estimating an expected power output of the wind energy plant for a predetermined time period; forecasting the power demand within the power grid for the predetermined time period; performing an optimising process on the initial layout based on the estimated expected power output and on the forecasted power demand in order to match the expected power output to the forecasted power demand to obtain an optimised layout of the wind energy plant; and erecting the wind turbines in accordance with the optimised layout.