Typical Turbine Research Articles

Fault diagnosis of floating offshore wind turbine based on bidirectional long short-term memory networks with sliding window

Owing to its ability to harvest more power in deeper waters than other types of offshore wind turbines, the floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) has attracted significant interest from both academics and industry. However, deterioration in system performance and unscheduled shutdowns will significantly increase operation and maintenance costs. To avoid system damage and ensure operation safety, there is a great demand for developing FOWT fault diagnosis to detect and identify faults as early as feasible. Due to the enormous complexity of FOWT including dynamics and nonlinearity, effective FOWT fault diagnosis poses a significant challenge. This paper develops a novel FOWT fault diagnosis method using bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) with sliding window. Firstly, the dynamics are embedded by stacking time-dependent measurements using the sliding window technique. Then, the augmented data is fed into a BiLSTM network to exploit the nonlinearity of FOWT. Consequently, a softmax classifier is used for fault diagnosis. A high-fidelity 10 MW spar FOWT benchmark based on the NREL Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence (FAST) model is used to validate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms other related methods in diagnosing critical faults in FOWTs under various operating conditions.

Blade Airfoil Optimization and Its Impact on Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Performance

Abstract Amidst the emergence of crises in petroleum prices and supply, the imperative for the development of clean energy has become increasingly apparent. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), as a type of wind turbine, still grapple with challenges such as low wind energy utilization and sensitivity to dynamic wind speeds. This study focuses on optimizing the airfoil of a two-dimensional vertical axis wind turbine and analyzes the performance variations in a three-dimensional model. Following the optimization, the average power coefficients of the dual-blade two-dimensional VAWT increased by 7.9% and 4%, respectively, while those of the dual-blade three-dimensional model rose by 7.9% and 1.2%. However, the performance of the three-dimensional model was compromised due to the influence of tip vortices, resulting in inferior performance compared to the two-dimensional model. Both three-dimensional optimized blade designs exhibited a substantial reduction in the flow separation region downstream and improved pressure distribution fluctuations caused by the shedding of tip vortices, leading to decreased pressure differentials. Along the spanwise section, the power coefficient gradually decreased from the central segment to the tip segment. Notably, the power coefficient of the optimized blades at the tip segment increased significantly, accompanied by an augmented pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces. This augmentation contributed to a significant enhancement in lift, thereby facilitating the rotation of the vertical axis wind turbine.

Strategic analysis of wind energy potential and optimal turbine selection in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia

Wind power is considered one of the most environmentally friendly and rapidly growing form of renewable energy. This study aims at assessment of wind power potential for Al-Jouf region in Saudi Arabia. A long term historical wind speed data of 21 years (2000–2021) was analytically modeled using Weibull distribution function to determine the wind characteristics. The Weibull parameters and average wind speed for monthly and yearly were evaluated using MATLAB program. An online wind power calculator developed by Meteotest was used to evaluate the wind energy by selecting various turbines. Six types of commercial wind turbines of 3 MW capacity were selected for wind power assessment to optimize the turbine selection. Our analysis showed that average wind speed varies between 3.88 m/s and 4.99 m/s and an overall average wind speed is 4.38 m/s. The most frequent wind speed observed was 3.9 m/s with a probability of 20 % approximately. The Weibull distribution parameters, shape parameter “k” values ranged between 1.89 and 2.21 with an average of 1.98 and scale factor “c” values varied between 4.41 and 5.66 m/s with a mean value of 4.86 m/s. Performance evaluations of selected wind turbine models reveal that the Vestas V126 turbine outperforms others at the Al-Jouf site, generating an annual energy yield of 3779400 kWh at a capacity factor of 14.4 %. These results suggest that by constructing a wind farm consisting of 100 V126 turbines may compensate for the energy needs of 46000 individuals. These findings establish Al-Jouf as a viable location for utility-scale wind power projects, offering valuable insights for turbine manufacturers, developers, operators, and policymakers interested in deploying large-capacity turbines in the region. The method used in this study for wind power analysis and turbine selection is simple and helpful to provide an initial assessment about the site suitability and turbine selection without undergoing exhaustive efforts.

Techno-economic analysis and optimization of a hybrid solar-wind-biomass-battery framework for the electrification of a remote area: A case study

An off-grid hybrid energy framework on the basis of wind turbines and photovoltaic panels as the primary source of energy and a biogas generator and energy storage unit as a back-up system, was considered for clean energy generation in a rural area in Semnan, Iran. This study was aimed at designing an optimized hybrid renewable framework with minimal costs and CO2 emissions and highest reliability, utilizing comprehensive modeling based on two energy management strategies. The decision-making variables in this work were the type and number of wind turbines, number of storage units, capacity of solar panels, and the capacity of biogas generator. Then variations in turbine model, inflation rate and biofuel prices and their effect on the optimal design of the hybrid framework was investigated in a range of uncertainties (0, 1, and 2.5 %). Additionally, the powerplant emissions penalty cost rate was also considered. Eventually, the optimal hybrid frameworks were economically and environmentally compared with a stand-alone diesel generator. Optimization results confirmed the superiority of the proposed hybrid wind-solar-biomass-battery system in comparison with other investigated systems. The cost of energy for the optimal design including biogas generator (22 kW), photovoltaic panels (30.7 kW), a 10 kW wind turbine, 11 batteries and an inverter (15.1 kW), while considering the inflation rate of 10 % and the uncertainty rate of 0 %, is equal to 0.201 $/kWh. Additionally, the selected optimal design emitted 97 % less CO2 annually, in comparison with the similarly-sized diesel-based energy system.

Performance Evaluation of Distance Relay Operation in Distribution Systems with Integrated Distributed Energy Resources

This article presents the evaluation of the performance of the distance relay (ANSI function 21) when integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in a Local Distribution System (LDS). The aim is to understand the impacts of and the necessary modifications required in the operation of distance relays, considering different levels of DER aggregation, and identifying any threshold levels before issues arise. To achieve this, first, a comprehensive review was carried out to analyze the impacts generated in the protection systems. Second, by using the DigSilent Power Factory software, the implementation of the distance relay using a IEEE 13 Node Test Feeder was validated. The aggregation of the three fundamental types of DG, synchronous machines, solar panels, and wind turbines, was evaluated. The threshold at which distributed generation power injection begins to compromise distance protection performance was identified. This study compares the outcomes of using mho and quadrilateral protection schemes.

Co-Design of a Wind–Hydrogen System: The Effect of Varying Wind Turbine Types on Techno-Economic Parameters

Green hydrogen is crucial for achieving climate neutrality and replacing fossil fuels in processes that are hard to electrify. Wind farms producing electricity and hydrogen can help mitigate stress on electricity grids and enable new markets for operators. While optimizing wind farms for electricity production is well-established, optimizing combined wind–hydrogen systems is a relatively new research field. This study examines the potential profit of wind–hydrogen systems by conducting a case study of an onshore wind farm near the North Sea. Varying turbine types from high wind-speed turbines (with high annual energy production) to low wind-speed turbines (with high full-load hours) are examined. Findings indicate that in a combined hydrogen system, the low wind-speed turbines, which are sub-optimal for mere electricity production, yield lower levelized costs of hydrogen at a higher hydrogen production. Although high wind-speed turbines generate higher profits under current market conditions, at high hydrogen prices and low electricity prices, low wind-speed turbines can yield higher total profit at this site. Therefore, an integrated optimization approach of wind–hydrogen systems can, in certain cases, lead to better results compared to an isolated, sequential optimization of each individual system.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Combined Production of Wind Energy and Green Hydrogen on the Northern Coast of Mauritania

Green hydrogen is becoming increasingly popular, with academics, institutions, and governments concentrating on its development, efficiency improvement, and cost reduction. The objective of the Ministry of Petroleum, Mines, and Energy is to achieve a 35% proportion of renewable energy in the overall energy composition by the year 2030, followed by a 50% commitment by 2050. This goal will be achieved through the implementation of feed-in tariffs and the integration of independent power generators. The present study focused on the economic feasibility of green hydrogen and its production process utilizing renewable energy resources on the northern coast of Mauritania. The current investigation also explored the wind potential along the northern coast of Mauritania, spanning over 600 km between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Wind data from masts, Lidar stations, and satellites at 10 and 80 m heights from 2022 to 2023 were used to assess wind characteristics and evaluate five turbine types for local conditions. A comprehensive techno-economic analysis was carried out at five specific sites, encompassing the measures of levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and levelized cost of green hydrogen (LCOGH), as well as sensitivity analysis and economic performance indicators. The results showed an annual average wind speed of 7.6 m/s in Nouakchott to 9.8 m/s in Nouadhibou at 80 m. The GOLDWIND 3.0 MW model showed the highest capacity factor of 50.81% due to its low cut-in speed of 2.5 m/s and its rated wind speed of 10.5 to 11 m/s. The NORDEX 4 MW model forecasted an annual production of 21.97 GWh in Nouadhibou and 19.23 GWh in Boulanoir, with the LCOE ranging from USD 5.69 to 6.51 cents/kWh, below the local electricity tariff, and an LCOGH of USD 1.85 to 2.11 US/kg H2. Multiple economic indicators confirmed the feasibility of wind energy and green hydrogen projects in assessed sites. These results boosted the confidence of the techno-economic model, highlighting the resilience of future investments in these sustainable energy infrastructures. Mauritania’s north coast has potential for wind energy, aiding green hydrogen production for energy goals.

Repowering of a wind energy production field - case study of SIDI-DAOUD field in northeastern Tunisia

Every energy production system, whether conventional or renewable, reaches its final limits after a period of operation predefined by the feasibility study for such a project. Then we'll have to think about renewal to maintain a certain level of reliability and availability as a factor of operational safety. This project seeks of studying the repowering of two 1st phases of wind farm in Sidi-Daoued in north Tunisia, which have reached the end of their life (20 years); it aims to identify three new configurations and to simulate different scenarios to determine which types of turbines are the most optimal for a repowering project. The three types of wind turbine selected were Vestas 4200kw, Nordex Acciona and Siemens-Gamesa, each with a power output of 4500kw. These are the best-known types of wind turbine in the world, and the heights of the hubs are very similar, at around 105m, so that a comparison can be made between the three models. Therefore, the average speeds are around 7.8 m/s2.The final number of turbines to be installed on site is around 13 turbines for the three scenarios, but the result favours the second scenario with Siemens-GAMESA wind turbines, where the annual production can exceed 210.1 GWH with a capacity factor equal to 41 percent.

Effect of background turbulence on the wakes of horizontal-axis and vertical-axis wind turbines

We report a wind tunnel study on the wake generated by a horizontal-axis (HAWT) and a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT). Two scaled models, one of each type, have been tested in a wind tunnel, under low blockage and at Reynolds numbers, based on the rotor diameter D, of ReD=265×103 for the HAWT and 330×103 for the VAWT. The models scale with respect to the largest commercially deployed turbines is of 1/383 and 1/65.5, for the HAWT and the VAWT, respectively. Furthermore, two different inflows were tested: low and moderate turbulence conditions. For each type of turbine and inflow, different values of tip-speed ratio and ReD were tested.Hot-wire anemometry was used to characterize the wake at different streamwise positions, exploring the range 1<x/D<30 for the HAWT and 1<x/D<15 for the VAWT.We find that, under a low-turbulence inflow, both turbines generate significantly different wakes, characterized by the velocity deficit, wake width and the profiles of average and rms streamwise velocities. More specifically, in low-turbulence conditions, the VAWT presents faster recovery than the HAWT. Remarkably, we observe that a moderately turbulent inflow results in similar wake shapes for both turbines, presenting similar recovery and structure under all studied conditions.

A Comparison of a Three Blade and Five Blade Wind Turbine in Terms of the Mechanical Properties Using the Q-Blade Software

يمكن لتوربينات الرياح المنتشرة في مزارع الرياح على نطاق المرافق أن تدعم تلبية رغبات الطاقة المستقبلية وتقليل انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون عن طريق تقليل متطلبات الطاقة من الوقود الأحفوري. مع ارتفاع درجة حرارة الهواء على مدار اليوم، تزداد سرعة الرياح بسبب تدرجات درجة الحرارة، والتي تنتج تدرجًا في الكثافة / الضغط، مما يؤدي إلى حركة الهواء التي تواجهها توربينات الرياح. اعتمادًا على تضاريس الأرض، يمكن أن تواجه الرياح وتوجه في الوديان بين التلال وفوقها حيث تتدفق وتتبع منحنيات الأرض. تنتج هذه التضاريس زيادة في سرعة الرياح في القمم والتلال. في هذا العمل، تم تصميم شفرة دوار توربينات الرياح الأفقية الصغيرة للعمل في ظل سرعة الرياح المنخفضة، باستخدام برنامج (Q-Blade). استنادًا إلى نظرية عنصر الشفرة (BEM). مع الجنيح NACA3712. تم استخدام دوار ثلاثي الشفرات ودوار بخمس شفرات بناءً على نوع التوربين وحجم الدوار لتوليد الطاقة الميكانيكية من طاقة الرياح. تم إجراء مقارنة وتحليل قوة التوربين ومعامل القدرة ومعامل عزم الدوران عند سرعة رياح منخفضة ((1m/s-8m/s وتم الحصول على نتائج دقيقة للغاية. وجد أن أفضل أداء يمكن أن يعمل فيه دوار توربيني ثلاثي الشفرات بقدرة توربينية تبلغ (955W) كما تم الحصول على قدرة التوربين ((582W للدوار خماسي الشفرات. وجد أن تصميم توربينة رياح أفقية صغيرة بخمس ريش أفضل من التوربين بثلاث ريش ومناسب للعمل في المناطق ذات سرعة الرياح المنخفضة وبكفاءة عالية مقارنة بحجم التوربين.

Optimizing a vertical axis wind turbine with helical blades: Application of 3D CFD and Taguchi method

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) with helical blades are being interested in urban areas due to the low dependency on the wind direction and also due to low noise production. In spite of good self-starting and smooth operation as the advantages of this type of turbine, its optimizing has not been reported in literature yet and is the subject of this research. A primary investigation by 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the air flow about the above type of VAWT in the first step showed the importance of three design variables of tip speed ratio, helical angle, and airfoil chord length. However, in the second step, CFD runs were very time consuming and costly. For considering five values for each design variable, 53=125 cases had to be simulated by 3D CFD. Thus, by the use of Taguchi method and with definition of an orthogonal array named L-25, the number of required 3D CFD simulations reduced from 125 to 25. Then, the optimum values of variables were obtained as 1.33 for the tip speed ratio, 30 degrees for the helical angle, and 0.4 m for the airfoil chord length. At the optimum point, the average power coefficient increased to 0.17542. The presented research is novel for optimizing VAWT with helical blades.

Research on the Power Output of Different Floating Wind Farms Considering the Wake Effect

For floating wind turbines, one of the most interesting and challenging issues is that the movement of the rotor is strongly related to its floating platform, which results in corresponding variations in the wake characteristics of the turbine. Because the aerodynamic efficiency of the downstream turbines is affected by the wake characteristics, the power output will consequently vary depending on the different types of floating wind turbines and floating wind farms used. In this study, the rotor movement, wake characteristics, and corresponding wind farm power output are analyzed using a numerical method for three typical floating wind turbines: the semisubmersible type, spar buoy type, and tension leg platform type with a 5 MW configuration. A fixed-bottom monopile wind turbine is adopted as a benchmark. The simulation results show that of the three floating wind turbines, the rotor position and wake center are most dispersed in the case of the spar buoy type, and its wake also has the lowest impact on downstream wind turbines. Additionally, the power output of the corresponding spar buoy type wind farm is also the highest at different wind speeds, followed by the semisubmersible type, tension leg platform type, and then the fixed-bottom type. In particular, at low wind speeds, the wake effects differ significantly among the various types of wind turbines.

Economic analysis of hydrogen energy systems: A global perspective

In the realm of renewable energy, the integration of wind power and hydrogen energy systems represents a promising avenue towards environmental sustainability. However, the development of cost-effective hydrogen energy storage solutions is crucial to fully realize the potential of hydrogen as a renewable energy source. By combining wind power generation with hydrogen storage, a comprehensive hydrogen energy system can be established. This study aims to devise a physiologically inspired optimization approach for designing a standalone wind power producer that incorporates a hydrogen energy system on a global scale. The optimization process considers both total cost and capacity loss to determine the optimal configuration for the system. The optimal setup for an off-grid solution involves the utilization of eight distinct types of compact horizontal-axis wind turbines. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted by varying component capital costs to assess their impact on overall cost and load loss. Simulation results indicate that at a 15 % loss, the cost of energy (COE) is $1.3772, while at 0 % loss, it stands at $1.6908. Capital expenses associated with wind turbines and hydrogen storage systems significantly contribute to the overall cost. Consequently, the wind turbine-hydrogen storage system emerges as the most cost-effective and reliable option due to its low cost of energy.

Determining Payback Period and Comparing Two Small-Scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Installed at the Top of Residential Buildings

In recent years, residential buildings have seen a notable increase in energy consumption. To address this, it is crucial for researchers to invest in renewable energy technologies, aiming to develop highly sustainable and nearly-zero energy buildings. Many countries are started to commit to this goal, seeking to phase out fossil fuels due to their harmful environmental effects. Wind energy stands out as a promising renewable resource, especially in areas with strong wind patterns. This study focuses on a case in Karaburun, Izmir province, Türkiye, where annual wind speeds range from 6 to 8 m/s and evaluates the performance of two types of small-scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) in reducing energy consumption in a three-story residential building, along with associated costs. Utilizing advanced simulation tools like ANSYS Fluent and DesignBuilder Software, the study examines Ice-Wind VAWTs and Savonius VAWTs. The findings reveal that installing 15 Ice-Wind VAWTs on the building's roof can reduce energy consumption by approximately 22.5%, with each turbine costing about $2000 and a payback period of around 14.57 years. Conversely, using 15 Savonius VAWTs can reduce energy consumption by 36%, with each turbine costing about $2300 and a payback period of around 8.93 years. These results indicate that the Savonius turbine offers a faster return on investment compared to the Ice-Wind turbine under the specified conditions. Overall, this study highlights the significant benefits and cost implications of integrating renewable energy solutions like VAWTs into residential buildings.

Design of a recirculating water channel for the development of a hydrokinetic turbine

This study presents the design, construction, and operational details of an experimental recirculating water channel dedicated to the assessment of hydrokinetic turbines, including a propeller-type turbine and a H-Darrieus turbine, since it offers a controlled testing environment. The recirculating water channel had overall dimensions of 5 m in length, 0.35 m in width, and 0.5 m in depth, it allows for the replication of various water flow conditions and permits a maximum achievable flow velocity of 0.6 m/s, which closely resembles real-world scenarios. Afterwards, a propeller- type turbine and a H-Darrieus turbine underwent characterization within the channel, and a performance curve constructed through the coefficient versus the blade tip speed ratio (TSR) revealed a peak efficiency of 0.2129 at a TSR of 2.952 for the propeller turbine, and a higher peak efficiency of 0.3076 at a TSR of 0.38 for the H-Darrieus turbine. The versatility of this experimental setup makes it a valuable platform for in-depth performance studies of hydrokinetic turbines. This water channel and its systematic characterization process represent a vital resource for conducting efficiency and behavior analyses across a wide range of operational parameters related to hydrokinetic turbine technologies.

A comparative study of hydrodynamic performance between ducted and non-ducted Archimedes spiral hydrokinetic turbines

The Archimedes spiral hydrokinetic turbine (ASHT), as a novel type of horizontal-axis hydrokinetic turbine, is well suited for deployment in the low-speed ocean current environment. Besides, integrating hydrokinetic turbines within a duct stands out as a prospective approach to enhance the efficiency of energy harvesting. In this study, a duct is implemented with the aim of enhancing the performance of ASHT. Using the commercial code program ANSYS-FLUENT, the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are solved along with the SST k-ω turbulence model to elucidate the distinctive hydrodynamic characteristics of ASHT and its ducted configuration (DASHT). The findings revealed a consistent outperformance of the DASHT over the ASHT, achieving a notable maximum improvement of 122% in the power coefficient (CP). The ASHT exhibits turbulence near the blade tips, generating large spiral tip vortex, while the DASHT, with its duct, induces significant turbulence, resulting in a wider range of vortex structures. Furthermore, the DASHT shows better energy harvesting due to enhanced diffusion under yawed flow. The wake asymmetry and increased turbulence are observed as the yaw angle increases, affecting vortex structures differently in ASHT and DASHT. At higher yaw angle, the DASHT vortex splits into two parts, contributing to a more complex wake structure.

A Prototype Design of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine as One of the Renewable Energy Sources in Brunei

Background: According to the Asia Wind Energy Association, Brunei can harness the power of wind energy to meet its future demands for a reliable energy source that is both renewable and non-polluting. Objective: A preliminary study to design and manufacture wind turbines needs to be initiated earlier especially in the Brunei with has potential wind energy. Methods: This preliminary study compares several Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) types and examines the optimal design in terms of mechanical parts for wind speed characteristics in Brunei. The project focuses on the engineering design stages to obtain a selected design that differs from other available designs. Results: The preliminary study successfully generated a small amount of electricity from the mechanical rotation of the VAWT. Conclusion: Although the preliminary study can generate a small amount of electricity, several design parameters need to be improved in further study. Proper manufacturing technologies are also needed to fabricate a better VAWT.

Design and Comparative Analysis of Vortex and Whirlpool Type Turbines in Assessing the Performance of Micro Hydro Power Plant

Design and Comparative Analysis of Vortex and Whirlpool Type Turbines in Assessing the Performance of Micro Hydro Power Plant

Analysis of Micro Hydro Potential as A New Renewable Energy Source

Electricity demand in Indonesia is currently increasing along with population growth, economic growth, and development. This increase can lead to an energy crisis if it is not accompanied by the provision of additional power plants. This study aims to analyze the micro-hydro potential located at Bangkong Waterfall, Kuningan Regency. The research uses a quantitative approach that begins with field surveys and data collection from relevant agencies. Next, the dependable discharge analysis uses the Thiessen polygon method based on rainfall data and watershed area, as well as flow discharge analysis using the rational method. The results of calculations using the Thiessen polygon method and the rational method yield Q80 with a minimum discharge of 0.009 m³/d and a maximum discharge of 1.160 m³/d. For direct discharge analysis, the Float method is used to calibrate the calculation results with field conditions. The direct discharge analysis using the Float method yields 0.32 m³/d. Based on the efficiency considerations of the micro-hydro power plant (MHPP) components such as a head of 20 meters, turbine type efficiency, water density, gravity factor, and flow discharge in the pipe of 0.109 m³/d, the potential power that can be generated at the Bangkong Waterfall micro-hydro power plant is 16,097.23 Watts or 16.097 Kilowatts.

Automatic grouping of wind turbine types via multi-objective formulation for nonuniform wind farm layout optimization using an analytical wake model

This study introduces a novel methodology that aims to minimize the number of different wind turbine types used in nonuniform wind farms. This approach involves a trade-off to tackle the logistical challenges associated with installing, operating, and maintaining such wind farms. To accomplish this, a Gaussian analytical wake model is used in conjunction with evolutionary algorithms (NSGA-II and SMS-EMOA) for multi-objective optimization. A multi-objective problem is formulated, regarding wind farm capacity factor (CF) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and addressed using two distinct approaches. In the first approach, proposed here, the number of different wind turbine types is limited and treated as an additional objective. In contrast, the second approach allows for flexibility in choosing any number of different turbine types. Comparing the results obtained, it was observed that the methodology presented here yielded a reduced number of different turbine types without compromising CF and LCOE objectives. A multi-criteria decision maker was applied to extract the final non-dominated solutions from the obtained Pareto set. Finally, economic indicators show the profitability of these solutions.