Designing a Wind Farm Extension
2023
COURSEWORK
This project focused on extending the Kelmarsh Wind Farm while designing a new wind turbine model. The aim was to identify potential turbine placements for ≥3MW turbines using wind data analysis to enhance the capacity factor and ensure a reliable energy yield. A generic power curve was also developed to estimate energy performance.
Simultaneously, I scaled an existing 5MW turbine design using Blade Element Momentum (BEM) analysis, which involved calculating blade, tower, and generator specifications alongside mass and cost estimates. Deliverables included a detailed results spreadsheet and a PowerPoint presentation outlining the design, assumptions, uncertainties, and outstanding tasks.
Problem Statement
Discontinued Turbine Model: The previously used 2.05MW MM92 turbine is no longer available for purchase, requiring the selection of a new model.
Higher Capacity Factor Requirement: The extension needs turbines with a higher capacity factor, meaning a lower specific power (W/m²) and a lower rated wind speed.
≥3MW Turbine Specification: The company prefers fewer turbines, each with a capacity of at least 3MW, to simplify maintenance and servicing.
Generic Power Curve Development: A new power curve must be created for the selected turbine size, not limited to a single supplier, to promote competition.
Optimal Siting: New turbines must be placed on adjoining land with consideration of wind patterns and available space.
Energy Yield Calculation: The energy yield for the new turbine placement needs to be estimated accurately, considering site-specific wind data and uncertainties.
Process & Approach
To refine the site characteristics, we plotted wind roses for directional frequency, wind speed, and turbulence intensity, revealing the impact of neighbouring turbines on wind patterns. The site was classified as Class 4, Turbulence Class A, indicating moderate winds and higher turbulence. While we assumed uniform data for all turbines, installing a dedicated weather mast could improve accuracy in future analyses.
I conducted a Measure-Correlate-Predict (MCP) analysis to refine my understanding of long-term wind conditions at the site. By correlating local wind data with nearby weather stations, I improved the accuracy of wind resource predictions. Additionally, I determined the P90 wind speed, which represents the wind speed exceeded 90% of the time. This value was essential for assessing the project's financial viability, providing a conservative estimate of the energy yield and minimizing investment risk.
Next, I focused on site factors to guide the turbine placement, following best practices for environmental impact, safety, and minimizing disruption. I considered setback distances for key elements like noise, shadow flicker, blade loss, and wake interference, while also accounting for animal safety. These factors ensured a balanced approach between maximizing energy production and protecting the environment and local wildlife.
I then worked on the foundation design, crucial for the stability and longevity of the wind turbines. I evaluated various foundation types based on soil conditions, load-bearing capacity, and environmental impact. This involved calculating the required depth and dimensions to support the turbine's weight and withstand operational forces, while also considering robust, environmentally friendly construction materials and methods to minimize site disruption.
Next, I focused on site factors to guide the turbine placement, following best practices for environmental impact, safety, and minimizing disruption. I considered setback distances for key elements like noise, shadow flicker, blade loss, and wake interference, while also accounting for animal safety. These factors ensured a balanced approach between maximizing energy production and protecting the environment and local wildlife.
There's more...
This page represented just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the complexities involved in designing an effective wind farm extension. While I have covered key starter points such as site characteristics, turbine selection, and foundation design, numerous other elements are integral to the overall success of the project. These include:
- Blade design and mass estimates: Optimizing blade shape and materials for aerodynamic efficiency while ensuring structural compatibility.
- Generator design and cost estimates: Evaluating generator types for desired power output and efficiency, alongside analyzing procurement costs.
- Controller design details: Developing a control system that manages turbine operations and optimizes performance in varying wind conditions.
- Energy yield calculations and predictions: Estimating expected energy production based on wind data and turbine characteristics to assess project viability.
- Run time analysis: Evaluating operational efficiency over time to optimize maintenance schedules and performance.
- Power vs. wind speed curve: Creating a graph to illustrate turbine power output across different wind speeds.
- Torque vs. wind speed curve: Analyzing torque output variations with wind speed for insights into mechanical behavior.
- Rotational speed vs. wind speed curve: Establishing the relationship between turbine rotational speed and wind speed to optimize efficiency.
- Blade pitch vs. wind speed curve: Determining optimal pitch angles at varying wind speeds for enhanced energy capture.
- Cost estimates: Analyzing overall project costs, including turbine procurement, installation, and maintenance.
- Foundation design: Ensuring stability and longevity by selecting appropriate foundation types based on site conditions.
- Assessing differences in turbine height, rotor size, and power rating: Evaluating how these factors affect overall performance and site suitability.