Wind Farm Power Output Estimation via Wake Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the maximum power output of wind farms are inaccurate, particularly in large wind farms where the wake effect of turbines leads to overestimation due to reduced wind speed, and known tracking models deliver unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a tracking model to estimate both the throttled and unthrottled performance variables of wind turbines, with a correction module to adjust for simulation errors by comparing simulated and actual performance, allowing for a more precise calculation of the maximum possible output power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the maximum power output is calculated by summing individual turbine outputs without considering wake effects, then the calculation is simple, but the result overestimates the actual maximum power output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a correction factor as an intermediary element between the simple summation calculation and the actual maximum power output. This correction factor, derived from wake models, acts as a mediator that adjusts the overestimated sum to reflect the true available power by accounting for wake effects without requiring complex direct measurement of all turbine interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the physical system through wake models that replicate wake effect patterns. These models generate correction factors that copy the essential characteristics of wake interactions, allowing the system to account for complex wake effects using simplified representations rather than full computational fluid dynamics simulations
2Measurement precision
If wake models are used to correct the maximum power output estimation, then the accuracy improves, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correction process into distinct components: individual wake model calculations for each turbine, aggregation of wake effects, and application of correction factors. This segmentation allows the complex problem to be broken down into manageable steps that can be implemented systematically without requiring full system reanalysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial correction by using correction factors that address the most significant wake effects without attempting to model every detail of turbine interactions. This partial action approach provides sufficient accuracy for reserve power determination while avoiding the excessive complexity of complete wake flow simulations
3Measurement precision
If known tracking models are used to estimate maximum power output, then an attempt is made to correct wake effects, but the results are very inaccurate particularly in large wind farms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the estimated maximum power output (after correction) with the actual measured power output. This feedback loop allows the system to validate and adjust the correction factors, ensuring that the model results remain reliable even in large wind farms with complex wake interactions and overlapping wakes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining the difference in power output between the actual power output of a wind farm fed into a grid under given boundary conditions and the maximum possible power output of the wind farm under those boundary conditions is characterized by the following steps: a. Operating the wind farm under the given boundary conditions, with at least one wind turbine operating in a throttled state; b. Determining a performance parameter of a selected wind turbine that prevails under the boundary conditions; c. Using a lagging model to estimate a simulated throttled performance parameter of the selected wind turbine, taking into account the given boundary conditions and the throttled state of the at least one wind turbine; d. Using the lagging model to estimate a simulated maximum power output of the selected wind turbine.e. Determining the performance magnitude of the selected wind turbine, taking into account the given boundary conditions in the wake model and assuming that the wind farm is operated in the unthrottled state; e. Determining a corrected maximum performance magnitude for the selected wind turbine, taking into account the prevailing performance magnitude, the simulated throttled performance magnitude, and the simulated maximum performance magnitude; f. Using the corrected maximum performance magnitude to calculate the maximum possible output power of the selected wind turbine. The invention allows for a significantly more accurate estimate of the differential power.