As wind energy technology continues to mature, farm sizes grow and wind farm layout design becomes more difficult, in part due to the number of design variables and constraints. Wind farm layout optimization is typically approached using gradient-free methods because of the highly multi-modal shape of the wind farm layout design space. Gradient-free method performance generally degrades with increasing problem size, making it difficult to find optimal layouts for larger wind farms. However, gradient-based optimization methods can effectively and efficiently solve large-scale problems with many variables and constraints. To pave the way for effective and efficient wind farm layout optimization for large-scale wind farms, we have worked to overcome the primary barriers to applying gradient-based optimization to wind farm layout optimization. To improve model/algorithm compatibility, we adjusted wake and wind farm models, adding more realistic curvature and smoothness to enable optimization algorithms to travel through areas in the design space where they had previously gotten stuck. We reduced the number of function calls required for gradient-based wind farm layout optimization by over three orders of magnitude for large farms by using algorithmic differentiation to compute derivatives. We reduced the multi-modality of the wind farm layout design space using wake expansion continuation (WEC). We developed WEC to work with existing optimization algorithms, enabling them to get out of local optima while remaining fully gradient-based. Across four case studies, WEC found results with lower wake loss, on average, than the other methods we tested. To resolve concerns about optimization algorithms exploiting model inaccuracies, we compared the initial and optimized layouts to large-eddy simulation (LES) results. The simple models predicted an AEP improvement of 7.7% for a low-TI case, and LES predicted 9.3%. For a high-TI case, the simple models predicted a 10.0% improvement in AEP and LES predicted 10.7%. To resolve uncertainty regarding relative solution quality for gradient-based and gradient-free methods, we collaborated with seven organizations to compare eight optimization methods. Each method was managed by researchers experienced with them. All methods found solutions of similar quality, with optimized wake loss between 15.48 % and 15.70 %. WEC with SNOPT was the only purely gradient-based method included and found the third-to-best solution.

Cost efficient operation and maintenance strategies are crucial for reducing cost of wind energy. Since the regime change from feed-in tariffs to an auction-based bidding system for capacity in most European wind projects, levelized cost of energy is challenged constantly. Therefore, new technologies such as new controllers are developed to improve operation and to increase profit. Previous research studies demonstrated the advantage of increased power output of wake redirection control. However, understanding and quantifying the impact of wind farm control technologies on operation and maintenance strategies is inevitable to evaluate the economic feasibility of such new technologies. Thus, an event-based O&M simulation tool has been developed. Besides general modules, such as the wind turbine model, the weather forecasting model and a model for simulating corrective and planned maintenance, the developed tool also takes wake effects into account. This allows considering different power productions for each individual turbine and a failure rate distribution within the wind farm which is based on altering loads on the different components. Both aspects are driven by changes in operation when applying a new controller technology. Exemplarily, the economic feasibility of a closed-loop active wake steering control has been analysed. Main achievements of this study are the possibility to quantify the impact of the active wake steering control on O&M related KPIs. Results show that additional loads caused by applying yaw-misalignment and redirecting wake, lead to an increase in OPEX. However, the achieved energy production gain and thus related additional revenue exceeds additional cost in the case study. Nonetheless, the study reveals that the profitability of the controller is highly dependent on the electricity price which can be acquired during the wind farm’s lifetime.

The aim of this thesis is to evaluate different repowering alternatives from the viewpoint of increasing power production from existing offshore wind farms (OWF), as some of the first commissioned OWFs are approaching the end of their expected lifetime. The thesis presents a literature review of components and financial aspects that are of importance for repowering of OWFs. In the literature review, risks and uncertainties regarding repowering are also lifted and analysed. The thesis contains a case study on Horns Rev 1 OWF, where three different repowering scenarios are evaluated by technical and financial performance, aiming to compare the cost of repowering alternatives. The design of the case study is based around previous studies of offshore repowering having focused mainly on achieving the lowest possible levelized cost of energy (LCoE) and highest possible capacity factor, often resulting in suggested repowering utilizing smaller wind turbines than the existing ones. In order to evaluate the financial viability of repowering alternatives, the software RETScreen Expert was used to estimate the annual energy production (AEP) after losses and calculate the net present value (NPV) and LCoE for lifetime extension and full repowering utilizing different capacity wind turbines. Input values from the literature as well as real wind resource measurements from the site was utilized to achieve as accurate results as possible. The result of the case study shows that repowering of OWFs have the possibility of providing a very strong business case with all scenarios resulting in a positive NPV as well as lower LCoE than the benchmarked electricity production price. Although the initial investment cost of the different repowering alternatives presented in this thesis still are uncertain to some extent, due to the lack of reliable costs for repowering alternatives, this thesis provides a base for further research regarding the repowering of OWFs.

Research into advanced wind turbine design has shown that load alleviation strategies like bend-twist coupled blades and coned rotors could reduce costs. However these strategies are based on nonlinear aero-structural dynamics providing additional benefits to components beyond the blades. These innovations will require Multi-disciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) to realize the full benefits. This research expands the MDO capabilities of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines. The early research explored the numerical stability properties of Blade Element Momentum (BEM) models. Then developed a provincial scale wind farm siting models to help engineers determine the optimal design parameters. The main focus of this research was to incorporate advanced analysis tools into an aero-elastic optimization framework. To adequately explore advanced designs with optimization, a new set of medium fidelity analysis tools is required. These tools need to resolve more of the physics than conventional tools like (BEM) models and linear beams, while being faster than high fidelity techniques like grid based computational fluid dynamics and shell and brick based finite element models. Nonlinear beam models based on Geometrically Exact Beam Theory (GEBT) and Variational Asymptotic Beam Section Analysis (VABS) can resolve the effects of flexible structures with anisotropic material properties. Lagrangian Vortex Dynamics (LVD) can resolve the aerodynamic effects of novel blade curvature. Initially this research focused on the structural optimization capabilities. First, it developed adjoint-based gradients for the coupled GEBT and VABS analysis. Second, it developed a composite lay-up parameterization scheme based on manufacturing processes. The most significant challenge was obtaining aero-elastic optimization solutions in the presence of erroneous gradients. The errors are due to poor convergence properties of conventional LVD. This thesis presents a new LVD formulation based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) that defines an objective convergence metric and analytic gradients. By adopting the same formulation used in structural models, this aerodynamic model can be solved simultaneously in aero-structural simulations. The FEM-based LVD model is affected by singularities, but there are strategies to overcome these problems. This research successfully demonstrates the FEM-based LVD model in aero-elastic design optimization. / Graduate / 0548 / pilot.mm@gmail.com

In the following Master’s degree research main information and communication aspects in wind power plant farm analyzed and demonstrated by constructing basic prototype. The wind energy market in Europe is growing and needs have arisen to develop standard-based information systems to support future expansion of wind energy in Lithuania. Introduction and first chapter overview the background for modeling such system. Requirements for data structures representing main measurements and information exchange inside and outside of the system are defined on the base of IEC 61400-25 standard “Wind Turbine Generator Systems - Part 25: Communications for monitoring and control of wind power plants”. Models, comprising such system are described and possible communication topologies enumerated. From several existing communication profiles, defined in above mentioned standard, SOAP / XML based web services for communication architecture are chosen and prototype built. Article based on this work was written together with coauthor professor A. Nemura and presented in international KTU conference “Automation and Control technologies – 2005���� and LEI conference “Application of information and management technologies in electricity energetics“. The purpose of article is to form and refine the wind farm information system problem introducing IEC 61400-25 standard.

The major achievements of this work are based on two categories: (A) introduction of an advanced simulation technique in both time domain and frequency domain, and (B) realistic and reliable models for converters applicable to analysis of alternative transmission systems. The proposed modeling-methodology using a combination of model quadratization and quadratic integration (QMQI) is demonstrated as a more robust, stable, and accurate method than previous modeling methodologies for power system analyses. The quadratic-integration method is free of artificial numerical-oscillations exhibited by trapezoidal integration (which is the most popularly used method in power system analyses). Artificial numerical oscillations can be the direct reason for switching malfunction of switching systems. However, the quadratic-integration method has a natural characteristic to eliminate fictitious oscillations with great simulation accuracy. Also, model quadratization permits nonlinear equations to be solved without simplification or approximation, leading to realistic models of nonlinearities. Therefore, the QMQI method is suitable for simulations of network systems with nonlinear components and switching subsystems. Realistic and reliable converter models by the application of the QMQI method can be used for advanced designs and optimization studies for alternative transmission systems; they can also be used to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the technical performance and economics of alternative transmission systems. For example, the converters can be used for comprehensive methodology for determining the optimal topology, kV-levels, etc. of alternative transmission systems for wind farms, for given distances of wind farms from major power grid substations. In this case, a comprehensive evaluation may help make more-informed decisions for the type of transmission (HVAC, HVDC, and LFAC) for wind farms.

Mathematical modeling and simulations of a submerged renewable storage system integrated to a wind farm, chosen based on the geographical and wind conditions at the Baltic Sea, gives insight on the feasibility of the submerged renewable storage and an approximation of the payback period and profits that could be generated. Genetic Algorithms were used to obtain the optimal number of spheres for a certain depth, based on 2 objective functions I.e. Minimum Life Cycle Cost (LCC) and maximum reduction in wind curtailment. The new arrangement concept shows that the Initial Capital Cost (ICC) could be decreased by 25% to 60% depending upon the number of sphere employed. Based on the inputs considered in the study, the results prove that the submerged renewable storage system would be feasible, and the profits ranging from 15 Million Euro to 29 Million Euro can be achieved at the chosen location, towards the Swedish side of the Baltic sea. Although, in a real life scenario it is assumed that only up to half of the profits obtained in the results would be achievable. The results also show that, the Pump/Turbine with a high turbine efficiency and lower pump efficiency, generated better profits, compared to a Pump/Turbine running with a higher pump efficiency and lower turbine efficiency. An attempt to increase the round-trip efficiency by adding a multi stage submersible pump, resulted in additional ICC and LCC, which saw a decrease in profits.

Recently wind resource assessment studies have become an important research tool to identify the possible wind farm locations.  In this thesis work technical analysis was carried out to determine the wind resource potential of two candidate sites in Eritrea with help of suitable software tools. The first site is located along the Red Sea cost which is well known for its wind resource potential, whereas the second site is located in the central highlands of Eritrea with significant wind resource potential. Detailed wind resource assessment, for one year hourly weather data including wind speed and wind direction, was performed for the two candidate sites using MS Excel and MATLAB. The measured wind data at Assab wind site showed that the mean wind speed and power density was 7.54 m/s and 402.57 W/m2 , whereas the mean wind speed and mean power density from Weibull distribution was 7.51 m/s and 423.71 W/m2 respectively at 80m height. Similarly, the measured mean wind speed and mean power density at Dekemahre wind site was obtained to be 5.498 m/s and 141.45 W/m2, whereas the mean wind speed and mean power density from Weibull distribution was 5.4859m/s and 141.057W/m2 respectively. Based on the analysis results Assab wind site classified as wind class-III and Dekemhare as wind class-I.  Wind farm modeling and Annual Energy Production (AEP) estimation was performed for E-82 & E-53 model turbines from Enercon Company with the help of MATLAB and Windpro software. The analysis revealed that Assab wind farm was an ideal site for wind energy production with capacity factor (CF) 53.4% and 55% for E-82 and E-53 turbines respectively. The gross and net AEP for turbine E-82 at Assab wind farm was 469.5 GWh and 446.025 GWh respectively with 95% park efficiency. Similarly, the analysis showed that the CF in Dekemhare site was very low with typical value 14.2% and 15.26% for E-82 and E-53 turbines respectively. The gross and net AEP of that site for model turbine E-53 was 53.5 GWh and 50.825 GWh respectively with 5% wake loss. Finally, a simplified economic analysis was carried out to determine the economic feasibility of possible wind power projects in both sites by assuming investment cost 1600 €/kW for E-82 turbine and 2000 €/kW for E-53 turbine. The total wind farm investment cost was found to be 215.85 and 107.93 Million Euro for E-82 and E-53 model turbines respectively. The levelized cost of energy at Assab and Dekemhare wind farm for E-82 model turbine was 0.0307 €/kWh and 0.5526 €/kWh respectively. The analysis result show that the levelized cost of energy in Dekemhare wind fasrm was much higher than that of Assab wind farm.

Distance relays due to their selectivity and operating speed are used in HV/EHV line protection. The dynamic nature of Mho characteristic, which happens to be most primitive technique in line protection implemented with distance relaying, is built by using the measurement of local voltage and current signals. These signals have been influenced substantially by fault resistance and the source impedance feeding the line. In case of different generation sources, the source impedance and fault characteristic also change accordingly. Environmental benefit of wind turbine technology is making it a potential source of energy. These wind turbine-generating units (WTGU) use rugged induction/synchronous machines along with power electronics converters as controlling equipment. This gives a new challenge to distance relays, as the fault current contribution of these sources depends on the converter operational principle. In this thesis a typical wind farm of Indian systems are modeled in an IN-HOUSE tool developed as part of fault analysis on wind farm system. Directly connected and front-end converter based wind turbines with their interconnections are modeled in this simulation tool. Fault voltage and current waveforms are obtained for all types of wind turbine-generating units with both radial and LILO (Loop in Loop out) connection. PSCAD based modeling has been done for DFIG type of wind turbines. The fault waveforms are generated to evaluate relay performance. Five case studies having both Radial and Loop in Loop out (LILO) connection of wind farms are simulated. These case studies generate approximately 20000 cases, which are analyzed for distance relay performance studies. In addition, the analysis is further verified on relay hardware having three characteristics, namely Self Polarized Mho (SPM), Quadrature Polarized Mho (QPM) and Quadrilateral (QUAD) characteristics. The detailed studies are carried out in this thesis to ensure and suggest the system operators with appropriate relay characteristics to be used for transmission line protection in the case of wind farms interconnected to Grid. Based on the studies carried out in the thesis, LILO connection has no impact on distance relay characteristic. In radially connected wind farms, grid side relay will operate reliably for all types of faults. It has been recommended in the thesis that wind farm side distance relay characteristics should be adjusted based on the types of wind turbines (Type-1, Type-2, Type-3 and Type-4). Based on the investigations carried out in the thesis, voltage based phase selector has been recommended for Type-4 WTGU based wind farms.

L’intégration massive de la production d’énergie éolienne intermittente au niveau des réseaux électriques pose un problème de stabilité du système électrique. En effet les caractéristiques sont très différentes de celles de sources conventionnelles maîtrisées par les gestionnaires de réseau. Par conséquent, l’injection de cette énergie induit de nouveaux challenges pour les gestionnaires de réseaux électriques. De plus, les conditions de raccordement évoluent et tendent à ce que toutes les sources participent aux services rendus aux systèmes électriques. Les travaux de cette thèse sont focalisés sur la proposition d’une nouvelle stratégie de commande non-linéaire basée sur la commande par « platitude à une boucle » d’un système de conversion d’énergie éolienne. Cette stratégie de contrôle vise la gestion des interactions au point de connexion par la génération et le suivi de trajectoires de références. De par le fait que toutes les variables du système sont liées à la « sortie plate » de ce système, cette commande procure une rapidité de réponse et une bonne maitrise des régimes transitoires. La mise en œuvre de cette nouvelle stratégie de contrôle pour la constitution d’un parc éolien offshore, capable de satisfaire différentes conditions de raccordement a été simulée avec succès. Plus particulièrement, l’évaluation de l’impact de différents défauts du réseau sur les services proposés (Régulation de fréquence et de tension, la tenue aux creux de tension.) a été réalisée. / The massive integration of intermittent production of wind energy in electrical networks creates an electrical system stability problem. Indeed, its characteristics are very different from those of conventional sources controlled by Grid managers. Therefore, the injection of this energy makes new challenges for power Grid operators. Moreover, the connection conditions are evolving and go towards the situations that all different sources participate into services of electrical systems. This thesis proposes a new nonlinear control strategy based on a « one loop flatness control » of a wind energy conversion system. This control strategy has aim of energy interactions management at the connection point through generation and tracking of reference trajectories. As all system variables are functions of the « flat output » of the system, this control provides fast response and good control in transient state. The application of this new control strategy into an offshore wind farm which is able to satisfy different connection conditions was simulated successfully. Specifically, effects of various grid faults on the proposed ancillary services (frequency and voltage regulation, and low-voltage ride through capabilities) were performed.