Enlarging SCADA to Include Climate and Hence Wind Power Prediction Forecasts

Abstract

Traditionally, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) relates to isolated machine systems, e.g. a windfarm of utility scale wind turbine generators connected to a central supervisory computer. The central computer collects performance information about the turbines and sends them commands. However, the method can be enlarged to include cooperative systems such as the combination of a windfarm's performance and the site's wind climate seen as one system. This conceptual change is commercially important, because windfarm operators and wind-electricity suppliers are often required to submit short-term forecasts of the wind energy production before the energy can be sold. Penalties may be levied for over- or under-production as compared with the contracted forecast. Methods to fulfil this enlarged concept are described for commercially available wind energy SCADA systems. The windfarm SCADA system can automate the process of transmitting site performance data to the scheduling entity, to the forecaster, or both. Machine performance information can improve near-term forecasts.