Increasing the efficiency of wind farms

Abstract

This work evaluates variables affecting wind parameters in order to maximally reduce turbulence and trace. In addition, the position of each wind turbine in a farm and the limits of wind turbines are determined in order to determine an optimal distance between them. To this end, a 150 MW wind farm operating 60 wind turbines was studied. The speed and direction of wind was studied using a wind-measuring installation. An optimal mode of operating a wind farm was calculated using the WindFarmer software produced by DNV GL (Norway). Experiments conducted on a site in the south-east of the Republic of Tatarstan showed its suitability for the construction of a wind power plant: the proximity of electrical networks and the absence of large buildings and forests. The wind shear at different heights (at the levels of anemometers) was found to be 0.2. Wind turbines were selected based on a calculation of power factors, which comprised 47 % for Siemens Gamesa SG 3.4-132 3.465MW, 45 % for Vestas V126-3.45 HTq and 29% for Lagerwey L100-2.5 MW. The conducted analysis of the main external factors (ground profile, average wind speed, distance to electrical networks, etc.) affecting the selection of an optimal site for a wind power plant, as well as the calculation of an average wind shear of 0.2, confirmed the suitability of the site under study. According to the calculated capacity factor, Lagerwey L100 and Siemens Gamesa SG 3.4-132 turbines showed the lowest (2.5 MW) and highest (3.465 MW) values, respectively. However, from an economic point of view, a balance between the turbine’s capacity factor and its cost should be achieved.