Pseudo-LIDAR data analysis and feed-forward wind turbine control design

To investigate potential improvement in wind turbine control employing LIDAR measurement, pseudo-LIDAR wind speed data is produced with Bladed using a designed sampling strategy, and assessed with preliminary frequency-domain analysis. A model-inverse feed-forward controller is adapted to combine with feedback control so as to enhance pitch control performance at high wind speed. This controller is applied to an industrial-scale 5MW wind turbine model and the control performance is compared with a baseline feedback controller. Simulation study demonstrates that the combined feed-forward/feedback control scheme has improvements in reducing pitch angle variation and reduction of load relevant metrics

Provision of ancillary services by renewable hybrid generation in low frequency AC systems to the grid

Wind energy high penetration levels in power systems lead to continuous power imbalance due to the intermittent nature of wind power. This paper proposes and investigates different methods to enable a hybrid generation system to provide frequency support to the grid. The hybrid generation is 100% renewable and composed of a wind farm and hydropower plant (HPP) of comparable generation capacities, and they are interconnected through a Low Frequency AC system (LFAC). The grid–tie is composed of a Voltage-Source Converter based High-Voltage, Direct Current (VSC-HVDC) junction that acts as frequency changer to maintain the grid nominal frequency. The HPP provides two types of ancillary services: wind power smoothing and frequency drops mitigation to avoid the use of thermal generation and battery energy storage. The paper offers different control methods to provide the two AS with improved coordination between the different controls in the hybrid generation system and complying with the common requirements of Grid Codes. The results obtained show that the frequency at the LFAC can tolerate mild drops to provide frequency support to the grid. The controllers’ parameters have a clear impact on the frequency response at both systems. Simulation environment is MATLAB and Simulink

Provision of Ancillary Services by Wind Power Generators

The current and future power systems foresee very deep penetration of renewable power plants into the generation mix, which will make the provision of ancillary services by renewables an ultimate necessity. This would be further emphasised when green power stations replace conventional power plants that rely on fossil fuels. In this context, many control methodologies could be applied to the controllers of the green generators to enable the provision of these services, mainly frequency support and voltage regulation. Most of the available models (i.e. in power system simulators) do not include such supplementary controls to provide ancillary services. Hence, this chapter exploits key examples of these controllers that proved to be efficient and widely accepted. In addition, this chapter considers their integration into the conventional controls of green generators, where the focus is on wind energy

A review on frequency support provision by wind power plants : current and future challenges

The continuing increase of wind energy penetration into power systems, in combination with the retirement of conventional generation, raises new challenges for the maintenance of power system stability. This paper presents a comprehensive review of wind power plant capabilities to provide frequency support and the corresponding methods available in the published literature are thoroughly analysed and compared. The topic is covered from different perspectives giving a comprehensive overview on the work carried out in this field. In addition, the integration of energy storage technologies and dispatching of wind farms during frequency deviations are thoroughly discussed. Finally, technical challenges, future research lines and general recommendations are provided

Optimal control of wind turbines for distributed power generation

textWind energy represents one of the major renewable energy sources that can meet future energy demands to sustain our lifestyle. During the last few decades, the installation of wind turbines for power generation has grown rapidly worldwide. Besides utility scale wind farms, distributed wind energy systems contributes to the rise in wind energy penetration. However, the expansion of distributed wind energy systems is faced by major challenges such as the system’s reliability in addition to the environmental impacts. This work is intended to explore various control algorithms to enable the distributed wind energy systems to face the aforementioned challenges. First of all, a stall regulated fixed speed wind turbine augmented with a variable ratio gearbox has been proven to enhance the wind energy capture at a relatively low cost, and considered as an attractive design for small wind energy systems. However, the high reliability advantage of traditional fixed-speed wind turbines can be affected by the integration of the variable ratio gearbox. A portion of this work is intended to develop a control algorithm that extends the variable ratio gearbox service life, thus improves overall system reliability and reduces the expected operational cost. Secondly, a pitch regulated variable speed wind turbines dominates the wind energy industry as it represents a balance between cost and flexibility of operation. They can be used for midsized wind power generation. Optimizing its wind energy capture while maintain high system reliability has been the one of the main focuses of many researchers. Another portion of this work introduces a model predictive control framework that enhances the reliability of pitch regulated variable speed wind turbines, thus improves their operational cost. Finally, one of the major environmental challenges facing the continuous growth of wind energy industry is the noise emitted from wind turbines. The severity of the noise emission problem is more significant for small and medium sized wind turbines installed in the vicinity of residential areas for distributed power generation. Consequently, the last portion of this work is intended to investigate the potential of wind turbine control design to reduce noise emission in different operating conditions with minimal impact on power generationMechanical Engineerin

Advances in Modelling and Control of Wind and Hydrogenerators

Rapid deployment of wind and solar energy generation is going to result in a series of new problems with regards to the reliability of our electrical grid in terms of outages, cost, and life-time, forcing us to promptly deal with the challenging restructuring of our energy systems. Increased penetration of fluctuating renewable energy resources is a challenge for the electrical grid. Proposing solutions to deal with this problem also impacts the functionality of large generators. The power electronic generator interactions, multi-domain modelling, and reliable monitoring systems are examples of new challenges in this field. This book presents some new modelling methods and technologies for renewable energy generators including wind, ocean, and hydropower systems

Advances in Modelling and Control of Wind and Hydrogenerators

Rapid deployment of wind and solar energy generation is going to result in a series of new problems with regards to the reliability of our electrical grid in terms of outages, cost, and life-time, forcing us to promptly deal with the challenging restructuring of our energy systems. Increased penetration of fluctuating renewable energy resources is a challenge for the electrical grid. Proposing solutions to deal with this problem also impacts the functionality of large generators. The power electronic generator interactions, multi-domain modelling, and reliable monitoring systems are examples of new challenges in this field. This book presents some new modelling methods and technologies for renewable energy generators including wind, ocean, and hydropower systems

Advances in Modelling and Control of Wind and Hydrogenerators

Rapid deployment of wind and solar energy generation is going to result in a series of new problems with regards to the reliability of our electrical grid in terms of outages, cost, and life-time, forcing us to promptly deal with the challenging restructuring of our energy systems. Increased penetration of fluctuating renewable energy resources is a challenge for the electrical grid. Proposing solutions to deal with this problem also impacts the functionality of large generators. The power electronic generator interactions, multi-domain modelling, and reliable monitoring systems are examples of new challenges in this field. This book presents some new modelling methods and technologies for renewable energy generators including wind, ocean, and hydropower systems