Repowering of Wind Farms

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is a well-known fact that wind energy has been strongly developed in recent decades. Additionally, it will continue to play a central role in the energy mix of many countries, even more so in the present context of global warming, where decarbonization is under discussion as a part of the solution. Gradually, wind farms that were comissioned toward the end of the 20th century will be reaching the end of their life cycle. Therefore, stakeholders will face some decisions in this regard in coming years. Once a wind farm reaches the end of its life, dismantling it can be one option. However, there is also the possibility of repowering it, and there are some aspects to be considered in this case, such as whether only a part of or the whole existing infrastructure must be updated. When a wind farm has been in operation for a certain amount of years, data collected during this period of time become available and can help build on the knowledge about the wind resource, which leads to obtaining a better prediction of future operation; this can also condition the above-mentioned decision-making process. Therefore, scientific, technical and economic considerations are involved when a wind farm is going to be repowered.

The goal of this topic is to analyze the advancements in studies regarding wind farm repowering. Proposals on how to face repowering of wind farms in order to help optimize the use of wind resources are expected to be submitted to this topic.

Prof. Dr. Andrés Elías Feijóo Lorenzo
Prof. Dr. Daniel Villanueva Torres
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400
Energies energies	3.2	5.5	2008	16.1 Days	CHF 2600
Applied Sciences applsci	2.7	4.5	2011	16.9 Days	CHF 2400
Wind wind	-	-	2021	24.8 Days	CHF 1000
Standards standards	-	-	2021	45.6 Days	CHF 1000

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Sustainability Energies Applied Sciences Wind Standards

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33 pages, 7898 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Fault Ride-Through Operation Analysis of Doubly Fed Induction Generator-Based Wind Energy Conversion Systems: A Comparative Review

by Aftab Ahmed Ansari and Giribabu Dyanamina

Energies 2022, 15(21), 8026; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218026 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2093

Abstract

In present electrical power systems, wind energy conversion systems based on doubly fed induction generators represent one of the most commonly accepted systems in the global market due to their excellent performance under different power system operations. The high wind energy penetration rate [...] Read more.

In present electrical power systems, wind energy conversion systems based on doubly fed induction generators represent one of the most commonly accepted systems in the global market due to their excellent performance under different power system operations. The high wind energy penetration rate makes it challenging for these wind turbines to follow grid code requirements. All operations of a wind energy system during a dip in voltage require special attention; these operations are critically known as fault ride-through and low voltage ride-through. In this paper, various fault ride-through techniques of doubly fed induction generator-based wind energy conversion systems, such as protective circuitry, reactive power injection, and control methods for transient and steady state operations, have been presented to improve the performance. During system disturbances, protective circuitry or control mechanisms are typically used to limit the over-current of the rotor and the generated inappropriate DC link over-voltage. Simultaneously, the reactive power injection system overcomes the reactive power scarcity and enhances the transient response, further limiting the DC bus voltage and rotor current. This review paper compares and suggests appropriate FRT methods that are driven by external modifications and internal system improvements. Furthermore, typical case studies are discussed to illustrate and support the FRT system. The impact of each case study was evaluated and analyzed using the results obtained from the MATLAB/Simulink application and the OPAL-RT (OP4500) real time simulator (RTS). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Repowering of Wind Farms)

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18 pages, 14748 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Optimization of the Blade Profile of a Savonius Type Rotor Using the Response Surface Methodology

by Luis A. Gallo, Edwin L. Chica and Elkin G. Flórez

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5596; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095596 - 06 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1488

Abstract

The present study aims to numerically determine the geometric proportions that maximize the performance of a Savonius rotor with a split Bach blade profile. For this, the response surface methodology was used through a full factorial experimental design, comprised of four factors corresponding [...] Read more.

The present study aims to numerically determine the geometric proportions that maximize the performance of a Savonius rotor with a split Bach blade profile. For this, the response surface methodology was used through a full factorial experimental design, comprised of four factors corresponding to the width (C) and length (L) of the overlap, and the eccentricity (E) and radius (R) of the blade, which define the geometry of the rotor. The models built from the different treatments of the experimental designs were analyzed using computational simulations in order to obtain the power coefficient ($C_P$), considered as the response variable. The same parameters and models of computational fluid dynamics were used to analyze each geometry through the ANSYS Fluent software. The analysis of the obtained results showed that there is a great interaction among the evaluated factors, which demonstrates the importance of analyzing them together. The results obtained with the full factorial experiment design were compared with those obtained from a face-centered central composite design, evidencing a difference of only 0.30% in the estimate of the regression model. A $C_P$ of 0.2661 was obtained from the optimized geometry, which represents a 36.50% increase in its performance with respect to the conventional semicircular profile. The optimal dimensions obtained are 4.69, 21.45, 5.52 and 25.15 in percentage values of the rotor diameter, for parameters C, L, E and R parameters, respectively. Experimental data available in the literature were used to contrast the numerical results and a good fit was revealed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Repowering of Wind Farms)

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19 pages, 2802 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

From Wind to Hybrid: A Contribution to the Optimal Design of Utility-Scale Hybrid Power Plants

by Ana Rita Silva and Ana Estanqueiro

Energies 2022, 15(7), 2560; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072560 - 01 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2968

Abstract

When a substantial number of wind parks are approaching the end of their lifespan, and developers of renewables are facing decisions about what to do with their assets, concepts such as hybrid power plants are emerging as a promising solution to enable renewable [...] Read more.

When a substantial number of wind parks are approaching the end of their lifespan, and developers of renewables are facing decisions about what to do with their assets, concepts such as hybrid power plants are emerging as a promising solution to enable renewable integration in a cost-effective and robust manner. This work proposes a decision-aid algorithm to perform a comprehensive analysis of hybrid power plants, focusing on the energetic contribution and economic feasibility of converting existing wind power plants into hybrid power plants (i.e., installing photovoltaic panels and a storage system). The analysis was performed by comparing the option of converting existing wind plants into hybrid plants with a pure repowering exercise or overplanting using wind technology only. The obtained results unequivocally demonstrate the added value of hybrid power plants as they promote: (i) a higher installed capacity and yearly capacity factor (up to 50%); (ii) an increased efficiency of existing electric infrastructures; and (iii) a positive contribution to a sustainable energy system with the ability to generate economic value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Repowering of Wind Farms)

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27 pages, 3729 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Forest Heterogeneity on Wind-Turbine Wake

by Taiwo Adedipe, Ashvinkumar Chaudhari, Antti Hellsten, Tuomo Kauranne and Heikki Haario

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051896 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2080

Abstract

This work aims at investigating the effects of forest heterogeneity on a wind-turbine wake under a neutrally stratified condition. Three types of forests, homogeneous (idealized), a real forest having natural heterogeneity, and an idealized forest having a strong heterogeneity, are considered in this [...] Read more.

This work aims at investigating the effects of forest heterogeneity on a wind-turbine wake under a neutrally stratified condition. Three types of forests, homogeneous (idealized), a real forest having natural heterogeneity, and an idealized forest having a strong heterogeneity, are considered in this study. For each type, three forest densities with Leaf Area Index (LAI) values of $0.42,1.7$, and $4.25$ are investigated. The data of the homogeneous forest are estimated from a dense forest site located in Ryningsnäs, Sweden, while the real forest data are obtained using an aerial LiDAR scan over a site located in Pihtipudas, about 140 km north of Jyväskylä, Finland. The idealized forest is made up of small forest patches to represent a strong heterogeneous forest. The turbine definition used to model the wake is the NREL 5 MW reference wind turbine, which is modeled in the numerical simulations by the Actuator Line Model (ALM) approach. The numerical simulations are implemented with OpenFOAM based on the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (U-RANS) approach. The results highlight the effects of forest heterogeneity levels with different densities on the wake formation and recovery of a stand-alone wind-turbine wake. It is observed that the homogeneous forests have higher turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) compared to the real forests for an LAI value less than approximately 2, while forests with an LAI value above 2 show a higher TKE in the real forest than in the homogeneous and the strong heterogeneous (patched) forest. Technically, the deficits in the wake region are more pronounced in the strong heterogeneous forests than in other forest cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Repowering of Wind Farms)

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17 pages, 3023 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Spatial Suitability of Offshore Wind Farm—A Case Study of the Sea Area of Liaoning Province

by Jie Huang, Xiaolu Huang, Nanqi Song, Yu Ma and Dan Wei

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010449 - 01 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2134

Abstract

Actively promoting the development of offshore wind power is an inevitable choice if the People’s Republic of China plans to fulfill its international commitments, respond to climate change, ensure energy security, and improve energy infrastructure. Inevitably, offshore wind power development will conflict with [...] Read more.

Actively promoting the development of offshore wind power is an inevitable choice if the People’s Republic of China plans to fulfill its international commitments, respond to climate change, ensure energy security, and improve energy infrastructure. Inevitably, offshore wind power development will conflict with other marine activities, including mariculture and shipping. Therefore, learning how to develop offshore wind power without affecting the environment or conflicting with other marine activities is crucial to the conservation of spatial marine resources. The rapid development of offshore wind power in Liaoning Province has allowed researchers to develop an index system that can be used to evaluate the suitability of offshore wind power development sites by considering costs, environmental protection, and sea management. Spatial analysis and a multi-attribute evaluation method integrating a fuzzy membership function were used to evaluate offshore wind farm placement in Liaoning. The results classified 5%, 18%, 21%, and 56% offshore areas of Liaoning as very suitable, relatively suitable, somewhat unsuitable, and unsuitable for wind power development, respectively. The results of this paper can provide a reference for decision makers who plan for offshore wind farm locations under the constraints of high-intensity development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Repowering of Wind Farms)

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22 pages, 63856 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Numerical and Experimental Study of the Blade Profile of a Savonius Type Rotor Implementing a Multi-Blade Geometry

by Luis A. Gallo, Edwin L. Chica, Elkin G. Flórez and Felipe A. Obando

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10580; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210580 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1732

Abstract

In the present study, the implementation of multi-blade profiles in a Savonius rotor was evaluated in order to increase the pressure in the blade’s intrados and, thus, decrease motion resistance. The geometric proportions of the secondary element were determined, which maximized the rotor’s [...] Read more.

In the present study, the implementation of multi-blade profiles in a Savonius rotor was evaluated in order to increase the pressure in the blade’s intrados and, thus, decrease motion resistance. The geometric proportions of the secondary element were determined, which maximized the rotor’s performance. For this, the response surface methodology was used through a full factorial experimental design and a face-centered central composite design, consisting of three factors, each with three levels. The response variable that was sought to be maximized was the power coefficient ($C_P$), which was obtained through the numerical simulation of the geometric configurations resulting from the different treatments. All geometries were studied under the same parameters and computational fluid dynamics models through the ANSYS Fluent software. The results obtained through both experimental designs showed a difference of only 1.06% in the performance estimates using the regression model and 3.41% when simulating the optimal proportions geometries. The optimized geometry was characterized by a $C_P$ of 0.2948, which constitutes an increase of 10.8% in its performance compared to the profile without secondary elements and of 51.2% compared to the conventional semicircular profile. The numerical results were contrasted with experimental data obtained using a wind tunnel, revealing a good degree of fit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Repowering of Wind Farms)

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