Analytical three‐dimensional wind flow model for real‐time wind farm simulation

Abstract

Wind energy conversion systems have gained an essential share of the electricity supply and are increasingly competitive with conventional power plants based on fossil fuel. Wind turbines are expected to continue their increase in rated power and size, exceeding 10 MW and more, imposing major challenges concerning not only the operation of future power grids but also mechanical stress on individual wind turbines, their aerodynamic interaction and holistic wind farm control strategies as well as simulation models being able to cover all these aspects. This study deals with requirements of a real-time capable three-dimensional wind flow model for wind farm simulation, covering key issues from wind modelling through wake interactions to prospects of advanced control strategies. Building upon this, a modular framework is proposed and implemented by integrating existing validated analytical models. Simulation results demonstrating the model capabilities are presented, discussed and evaluated concerning future research focus.