Optimization of a wind farm by coupled actuator disk and mesoscale models to mitigate neighboring wind farm wake interference from repowering perspective

Mehtab Ahmad Khan, Adeel Javed, Sehar Shakir, Abdul Haseeb Syed

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

This study explores the effects of inter-farm wakes and proposes staggering schemes that are most suitable for optimization of existing wind farm arrays to mitigate the effects of compound wakes. The case study considers a total of 9 out of 33 most deteriorated wind turbine for a microscale numerical analysis using the steady-state actuator disk model coupled with the mesoscale boundary condition data. Furthermore, the convective atmospheric boundary layer has also been considered. For vertically staggered layouts, the effect of the inter-farm wakes appeared mild at 100 m, modest at 80 m, and high at 60 m; as the maximum velocity deficit observed under the influence of compound wakes is approximately 13.3%, 14.1%, and 15.2%, respectively. Onsite recorded power data has been used to validate the baseline predicted powers at 80 m hub height. Both vertical and horizontal staggering options have been assessed for partial repowering. By elevating the turbines to a 100 m hub height, the cumulative power generation from the 9 × turbines increased by approximately 13.5% while reducing the hub height to 60 m decreased the power output by approximately 11.5% of that of the baseline at 80 m hub height. Further increase in cumulative power of up to 23% compared to existing layout is achieved by applying a lateral repositioning of 3 × underperforming turbines now positioned at 100 m hub height. This paper hence presents an applied insight for partial repowering of onshore wind farms affected by inter-farm wakes.

Original languageEnglish
Article number117229
JournalApplied Energy
Volume298
Early online date10 Jun 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sept 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Actuator disk model
  • Commercial wind farm
  • Compound wake interferences
  • Model validation
  • Partial repowering
  • Vertical and horizontal staggering

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • General Energy
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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