Expansion Of Wind Energy Research Articles

Recent Development and Future Perspective of Wind Power Generation

The expansion of wind energy has progressed rapidly in recent years [...]

Acoustic evaluation: microphone array measurements on a multi-megawatt individual pitch control wind turbine

As rotor diameters of wind turbines approach 200 m, aerodynamic noise becomes a significant issue, especially for onshore turbines. The rapid expansion of wind energy has led to increased concerns regarding the noise generated by wind turbines particularly in proximity to residential areas. This study investigates the noise emissions from a full-scale multi-megawatt individual pitch control (IPC) onshore wind turbine, with rotor diameter of 158 m and a hub height of 120 m, across 12 scenarios-six upstream and six downstream. The wind turbine under investigation operates under both IPC and non-IPC modes. Utilizing a microphone array and beamforming algorithm techniques, we conducted comprehensive acoustic measurements to analyses the noise sources and their characteristics. Our findings indicate that turbine operating in IPC mode produces higher sound pressure levels dB (A-weighted) as compared to the turbine under non-IPC modes. This observation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in wind turbine operations, considering both load reduction and noise mitigation.

Assessment of forest disturbance and soil erosion in wind farm project using satellite observations

The construction of wind farms, involving road construction and wind turbine installation, severely disrupts natural landscapes. Wind energy expansion in global forested areas has unclear impacts on local forests and ecosystem services. Due to a lack of information on internal road distribution and deployment dates, few studies have assessed forest disturbances caused by wind farms. Environmental issues like vegetation destruction and soil erosion may be overlooked. To address this, we integrated multi-source spaceborne observations to identify deployment dates and road distributions of forest wind farms and mapped related forest disturbances and soil erosion changes. Six global locations were tested, showing over 80 % accuracy. Disturbance intensity ranged from 1.5 to 6.5 ha/MW, with NDVI decreasing by 0.03 to 0.33 in disturbed forest regions. The average soil erosion increase per unit area due to road construction ranged from 24.74 to 274.33 t/hm−1a−1, while wind turbine construction caused an average soil erosion increase ranging from 26.52 to 26.52 to 263.46 t/hm−1a−1. Road construction is the primary cause of forest disturbance, with greater soil erosion increases in mountainous than in plain forests. This method enhances monitoring and understanding of wind farms' environmental impacts.

Failing successfully? Local referendums and ENGOs’ lawsuits as challenges to wind energy expansion in Germany

Failing successfully? Local referendums and ENGOs’ lawsuits as challenges to wind energy expansion in Germany

Modeling and observations of North Atlantic cyclones: Implications for U.S. Offshore wind energy

To meet the Biden-Harris administration's goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030 and 110 GW by 2050, expansion of wind energy into U.S. territorial waters prone to tropical cyclones (TCs) and extratropical cyclones (ETCs) is essential. This requires a deeper understanding of cyclone-related risks and the development of robust, resilient offshore wind energy systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-science measurement and modeling capabilities for studying TCs and ETCs, and their impacts across various spatial and temporal scales. We explore measurement capabilities for environments influenced by TCs and ETCs, including near-surface and vertical profiles of critical variables that characterize these cyclones. The capabilities and limitations of Earth system and mesoscale models are assessed for their effectiveness in capturing atmosphere–ocean–wave interactions that influence TC/ETC-induced risks under a changing climate. Additionally, we discuss microscale modeling capabilities designed to bridge scale gaps from the weather scale (a few kilometers) to the turbine scale (dozens to a few meters). We also review machine learning (ML)-based, data-driven models for simulating TC/ETC events at both weather and wind turbine scales. Special attention is given to extreme metocean conditions like extreme wind gusts, rapid wind direction changes, and high waves, which pose threats to offshore wind energy infrastructure. Finally, the paper outlines the research challenges and future directions needed to enhance the resilience and design of next-generation offshore wind turbines against extreme weather conditions.

Numerical Simulation of Vertical Cyclic Responses of a Bucket in Over-Consolidated Clay

Multi-bucket foundations have become an alternative for large offshore wind turbines, with the expansion of offshore wind energy into deeper waters. The vertical cyclic loading–displacement responses of the individual bucket of the tripod foundation are relevant to the deflection of multi-bucket foundations and crucial for serviceability design. Finite element analyses are used to investigate the responses of a bucket subjected to symmetric vertical cyclic loading in over-consolidated clay. The Undrained Cyclic Accumulation Model (UDCAM) is adopted to characterize the stress–strain properties of clay, the parameters of which are calibrated through monotonic and cyclic direct simple shear tests. The performance of the finite element (FE) model combined with UDCAM in simulating vertical displacement amplitudes is evaluated by comparison with existing centrifuge tests. Moreover, the impact of the bucket’s aspect ratio on vertical displacement amplitude is investigated through a parametric study. A predictive equation is proposed to estimate the vertical displacement amplitudes of bucket foundations with various aspect ratios, based on the cyclic displacement amplitude of a bucket with an aspect ratio of unity.

The utilization of renewable energy and the economic potential of offshore wind power supported by digital finance

Colombia is well-positioned for the development of sustainable energy due to its abundance of natural resources, which include water, wind, and sun. Regulating the safe and sustainable use of offshore wind energy, which is considered non-conventional, is lacking in the nation, nonetheless. The development of offshore wind technology in Colombia shows potential to meet energy needs during dry hydrological conditions and El Niño/Southern Oscillation events when the hydroelectric system power supply is low. This study examines global initiatives that have encouraged nations to develop plans for cutting their CO2 emissions, stressing both their successes and shortcomings in putting offshore wind technology into practice. An examination of Colombia's renewable energy administrative framework finds a lack of data required to carry out offshore wind projects. Furthermore, a review of previous research on marine energy emphasizes how important it is to expand our knowledge of offshore wind generation. Although the majority of local renewable energy projects concentrate on terrestrial sources, an analysis of wind speed and wind power density in Colombia at different altitudes shows promising magnitudes and good trends.Digital finance plays a crucial role in this context by providing innovative funding mechanisms, enhancing financial accessibility, and reducing investment risks through improved financial technologies. These advancements support the mobilization of capital necessary for the development and expansion of offshore wind energy projects.As a result, the technical, economic, administrative, and legal data pertinent to renewable energy in Colombia is compiled in this study. It proposes to provide information to stakeholders involved in decision-making processes and promotes the possible installation of offshore wind farms in regions close to Colombia's Caribbean coast. Because of its plentiful resources, Colombia offers a great chance to implement offshore wind energy technology, which will lessen dependency on fossil fuels and provide a backup energy source in case of supply shortages. The integration of digital finance is key to unlocking the economic potential of these projects, ensuring sustainable and scalable energy solutions for the future.

A decade of curtailment studies demonstrates a consistent and effective strategy to reduce bat fatalities at wind turbines in North America

Abstract There is a rapid, global push for wind energy installation. However, large numbers of bats are killed by turbines each year, raising concerns about the impacts of wind energy expansion on bat populations. Preventing turbine blades from spinning at low wind speeds, referred to as curtailment, is a method to reduce bat fatalities, but drawing consistent inference across studies has been challenging. We compiled publicly available studies that evaluated curtailment at six wind energy facilities in North America across 10 years. We used meta‐regression of 29 implemented treatments to determine fatality reduction efficacy as well as sources of variation influencing efficacy. We also estimated species‐specific fatality reduction for three species that comprise most fatalities in North America: hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and silver‐haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). We found that curtailment reduced total bat fatalities by 33% with every 1.0 ms−1 increase in curtailment wind speed. Estimates of the efficacy for the three target species were similar (hoary bats: 28% per ms−1, 95% CI: 0.4%–48%, eastern red bats: 32% per ms−1, 95% CI: 13%–47% and silver‐haired bats: 32% per ms−1, 95% CI: 3%–53%). Across multiple facilities and years, a 5.0 ms−1 cut‐in speed was estimated to reduce total bat fatalities by an average of 62% (95% CI: 54%–69%). Mortality reductions at individual facilities in any given year were estimated to fall between 33%–79% (95% prediction interval). Inter‐annual differences rather than inter‐site or turbine characteristics accounted for most of the variation in efficacy rates. Species‐specific average mortality reduction at 5.0 ms−1 curtailment wind speed was 48% (95% CI: 24%–64%) for hoary bats, 61% (95% CI: 42%–74%) for eastern red bats and 52% (95% CI: 30%–66%) for silver‐haired bats. Practical implication. curtailment reduced bat mortality at wind turbines in this North American study. Efficacy increased proportionally as curtailment speed is raised, and patterns and rates of efficacy were similar across species. This indicates that curtailment is an effective strategy to reduce bat fatalities at wind energy facilities, but exploration of further refinements could both minimize bat mortality and maximize energy production.

Global Review on Environmental Impacts of Onshore Wind Energy in the Field of Tension between Human Societies and Natural Systems

Deploying onshore wind energy as a cornerstone of future global energy systems challenges societies and decision-makers worldwide. Expanding wind energy should contribute to a more sustainable electricity generation without harnessing humans and their environment. Opponents often highlight the negative environmental impacts of wind energy to impede its expansion. This study reviews 152 studies to synthesize, summarize, and discuss critically the current knowledge, research gaps, and mitigation strategies on the environmental impacts of onshore wind energy. The investigated effects comprise impacts on the abiotic and biotic environment, with birds and bats in particular, noise and visual impacts. Effects are discussed in the context of social acceptance, other energy technologies, and wind energy expansion in forests. This review illustrates that many effects are highly case-specific and must be more generalizable. Studies are biased regarding the research focus and areas, needing more standardized research methods and long-term measurements. Most studies focus on the direct mortality of birds and bats at wind farms and are concentrated in Europe and North America. Knowledge gaps persist for many impact categories, and the efficacy of mitigation strategies has yet to be proven. More targeted, unbiased research is required that allows for an objective evaluation of the environmental impacts of wind energy and strategies to mitigate them. Impacts, such as those on biodiversity, need to be addressed in the context of other anthropogenic influences and the benefits of wind energy. This forms the basis for a socially acceptable, efficient, and sustainable expansion of wind energy.

Feasibility analysis of a novel conical plain bearing with rotating segments as wind turbine main bearing

Further expansion of wind energy is a key aspect for the transition towards renewable energy production. Operational expenditures constitute a significant portion of the cost of wind energy. One key aspect within these costs are maintenance costs. Main bearings of wind turbines suffer from comparably high failure rates. The exchange of a wind turbine main bearing is especially costly, as the rotor is dismounted and the drivetrain needs to be dismantled. Currently all commercially available wind turbine main bearings are roller bearings. One approach to reduce the operational costs is to develop segmented plain bearings as wind turbine main bearings. The segmented design allows for repair on tower without dismantling the drivetrain. In this work a novel, flexible plain bearing concept as wind turbine main bearing is presented. Key feature of this novel concept are its sliding segments that are mounted to the rotating main shaft. In contrast to designs which segments are mounted to the still standing housing, the rotatable shaft allows the segments to be rotated into intended positions for inspections or maintenance. In case of failure, faulty segments can be exchanged in a preferred service position, which provides easy access. The novel concept is evaluated using elasto-hydrodynamic-multi-body simulations and compared to the already established FlexPad concept.

How to restore ecological impacts from wind energy? An assessment of Zhongying Wind Farm through MSPA-MCR model and circuit theory

The wind energy industry is developing rapidly in China with a maximum capacity worldwide. Meanwhile, the stability of the ecological network is challenged by extensive renewable energy expansion. There are still research deficiencies in wind farm ecological impacts at project scale from an ecological restoration perspective. It is of great necessity to monitor the ecological impacts with time going and explore ecological restoration strategies for wind power development. The research case of Zhongying Wind Farm is selected based on investigation and interviews regarding its ecological impact in the prior study. It employs a comparative methodology by comparing the ecological quality before and after the construction of Zhongying Wind Farm. Raw data from Landsat 8, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and wind turbine statistics originating from open data platforms are analyzed and visually represented with ArcGIS. This paper establishes an ecological network based on morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model to quantify wind farms’ impacts on ecological corridors. The circuit theory and Pajek software are used to identify and categorize the ecological nodes into weak and obstacle points. The results reveal that ecological impacts on ecological corridors decay with distance, reflecting changes in length, connection strength and cumulative values of corridors. While the impacts on ecological nodes depend on nodes’ attributes: the number of weak points increased by 18.5 %, and obstacle points increased by 350 %, with their locations shifting from the edges of urban construction sites to the edges of wind farm. Differentiated strategies are proposed according to the impact magnitude of each ecological corridor and node: such as dynamic inspection mechanism, construction prohibition for protection; corridor structure and function recovering, stepping stones addition for restoration; buffer belts, warning radar, and monetary schemes for compensation. This research fills the gap of ecological impact assessment under the challenges of wind energy expansion. It helps to balance wind energy development and ecological restoration at the regional level.

Wake effects and temperature plumes: Coping with non-knowledge in the expansion of wind and geothermal energy.

Energy transitions are knowledge-intensive processes where a multitude of actors are trying to cope with inevitable knowledge gaps, surprises, and uncertainties. In this context, we focus on two techno-physical phenomena that are gaining practical relevance with the expansion of wind and geothermal energy extraction, and are surrounded by significant unknowns: wake effects and temperature plumes. Both phenomena can potentially affect the efficiency of energy production, but the extent of their impact is not yet known. Based on 28 semi-structured interviews with experts in the fields of wind and geothermal energy, we explore how different central actors perceive and interpret non-knowledge of wake effects and temperature plumes, and how they deal with it. We show that there are strategies for either using non-knowledge as a basis for action or simply ignoring it and sweeping knowledge gaps under the rug. Both strategies serve the function of protecting agency and keeping things going.

Unjust Winds of Change: The Politics and Narratives of Wind Farms in the Brazilian Northeast

Renewable energy is recognized as a cornerstone in achieving sustainable development globally, evidenced by international standards such as the UN Agenda 2030 as well as in nations energy policies globally. One of the front runners of the energy transition globally is Brazil, where wind energy has expanded substantially since the early 2000’s. Currently, the state of Bahia in North-Eastern Brazil is seeing the fastest expansions, a state that is characterised by its many traditional and Indigenous communities. Although wind energy is known for its positive sustainability aspects, conflicting wind energy narratives and politics are abundant in this region. The fast expansion of wind energy projects has caused socio-environmental conflicts due to land related conflicts and expulsion of traditional communities for the creation of wind energy parks. In this study, we apply document analysis to critically explore the multiple narratives surrounding wind energy expansion in the state of Bahia. This study shows that different actors frame the matter differently, showcasing that civil society and local perspectives are made invisible in policy documents and decision-making processes. Our results suggest that the dominant narrative of wind power as the most sustainable energy option excludes the contrasting perspectives, perpetuating exclusion and marginalisation of local communities as well as the environment that are directly impacted by the expansion of wind energy projects.

Failure analysis of floating offshore wind turbines based on a fuzzy failure mode and effect analysis model

AbstractThe surging global demand for renewable energy has fueled the expansion of offshore wind energy, leveraging superior wind profiles and technological advancements in offshore wind turbine technology. Despite this growth, the operational experience of floating offshore wind turbines still needs to be improved as an emerging technology. Addressing this knowledge gap, our study compiles a comprehensive database of failure events associated with these turbines. Employing a rigorous analytical approach through the Fuzzy Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) methodology, we conduct an in‐depth failure analysis of floating offshore wind turbines. This investigation allows us to identify the most critical failure modes and pinpoint components vulnerable to failures. The paper delves into the root causes of these significant failure modes, proposing preventive and corrective measures based on our findings. Our recommendations serve as a strategic guide for stakeholders, offering insights to enhance offshore wind turbines’ design, operation, and maintenance practices and the broader wind farm infrastructure. Despite this, further clarification on the application and highlights of the fuzzy FMEA model is warranted in the abstract, a point we address in the revised conclusion to enhance our study's overall clarity and completeness.

Political expectations and electoral responses to wind farm development in Sweden

Wind energy expansion has influenced electoral behavior by decreasing support for incumbents, primarily explained by not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) arguments. However, how does the establishment of wind farms shape electoral behavior when municipal politicians can veto such establishments? Analyzing Sweden, this study shows that voters respond not only by retrospectively evaluating past constructions but also by evaluating parties differently based on their expectations. Our results indicate that parties more likely to approve turbine constructions are punished more than those less expected to do so. Additionally, we find no evidence that the construction of wind turbines influences support for either Green or radical right-wing parties. In conclusion, this study show that the political repercussions of wind farm expansion are multifaceted, influenced by a combination of past actions, future expectations, and the ideological stances of political parties.

Assessing areas suitable for offshore wind energy considering potential risk to breeding seabirds in northern Japan

Offshore wind energy is expected to play a major role in realizing carbon neutrality. However, the installation of offshore wind turbines is of concern for breeding seabirds. Identifying areas with low potential risk for breeding seabirds in Japan is urgently needed. This study identified technically and legally potential areas for wind energy development that are suitable for breeding seabirds by integrating risk assessment models through a spatial approach using Geographic Information System (GIS). While many studies and the government have assessed the potential areas for offshore wind energy in northern Japan, this study shows that most of these legally potential areas overlap with major concern areas for breeding seabirds. Currently, Japanese rules do not sufficiently consider the risk to seabirds when zoning areas for installing offshore wind energy system. The results imply that the risk to breeding seabirds should be carefully examined when zoning areas for local offshore wind energy installations. The approach developed in this study is expected to aid in clearly identifying areas suitable for the installation of offshore wind turbines and minimize the impacts on breeding seabirds. It provides a balance between the expansion of offshore wind energy and conservation biology.

Optimization of Offshore Wind Power Generation in Response to the 2022 Extreme Drought in Portugal

Portugal, in line with the European Union, is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 (Net Zero), which implies a transition to sustainable energy sources. Climate change is all too evident, as extreme weather periods are occurring in a cyclical manner with greater brevity to such an extent that the grid operator must deal with production scenarios where it can no longer rely on hydroelectric production given the recurring drought situation. This situation increases dependence on thermal production using natural gas and imports. This has significant economic implications. Portugal has exploited its onshore wind potential, reaching an installed capacity of 5.671 MW by 2022. However, the expansion of onshore wind energy is limited to reinforcing the existing infrastructure. To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to expand the exploitation of the offshore wind potential that is already underway. This article proposes the location of offshore wind production platforms along the Portuguese coast. This allows for an analysis of offshore production and its optimization according to the minimum cost per MWh in the face of extreme scenarios, i.e., in periods of extreme drought where the hydroelectric production capacity is practically non-existent. The model is fed by using market price indications and the amount of energy needed for the following day. Using forecast data, the model adapts offshore wind production for the following day according to the minimization of the average market price. This study presents an optimization model adapted to combat the unpredictability of extreme weather conditions. This strategic framework significantly increases the resilience and reliability of offshore wind energy production, marking a significant advance in the management of renewable energy under the pressure of climate variability. The results of the simulations allow us to conclude that despite the high cost of offshore technology (in deep waters), in extreme climate scenarios, it enables cost reduction and a clear decrease in imports.

Planungskonflikte und Gerechtigkeit: Konzeptionelle Überlegungen am Beispiel des Ausbaus der Windenergie im Nordosten Deutschlands

The energy transition and the expansion of renewable energies are central challenges to planning. In view of tightened climate protection targets and the associated rise in installation capacity, planning conflicts are likely to intensify further in the coming years. At the same time, democratic institutions are under increasing pressure. The expansion of wind energy must proceed swiftly while democratic participation must be ensured. Based on planning conflicts over wind turbines in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Brandenburg, this paper addresses the extent to which research on planning conflicts can benefit from a justice perspective, both in theoretical-conceptual and empirical terms. Drawing on concepts from research on spatial justice, energy justice, and planning justice, the paper uses a three-dimensional conception of justice to identify access points for dealing constructively with conflicts. First, conflicts have to be recognized as such and their productive potential has to be acknowledged. Second, strategies have to be established that allow conflicts to be dealt with constructively. In doing so, several dimensions of justice must be taken into account: distributive justice and the question of what is to be distributed according to which criteria, recognition justice and the reflexion on difference and needs beyond hegemonic majority opinion, and finally procedural justice, which is intended to ensure that recognition and fair distribution can be implemented. In this way, a proactive attitude towards planning conflicts can make a central contribution to sustainable and democratic planning.

Do concerns about wind farms blow over with time? Residents’ acceptance over phases of project development and proximity

Social acceptance is a key issue for the continued expansion of onshore wind energy. Wind energy development targets increasingly rely on the assumption that residents' concerns related to new wind farms dissipate over time. The persistence of resistance to new wind farms has motivated efforts to investigate this effect. The ‘U-curve’ hypothesis proposes that acceptance is likely to decrease when residents are confronted with the planning of a wind farm in their neighbourhood, but that acceptance may later recover during construction and operation. In this study, relevant research is reviewed, discussed, and applied using a largescale experimental survey focused on residents living within 10 km of an existing wind farm in Ireland (n = 1109). It uses two indicators of how people experience wind farms to investigate willingness to accept further developments. The indicators include the proximity of existing wind farms and their development phase (i.e., planning, construction or operation). The findings show that experience is an important determinant of acceptance, as are an awareness of low-carbon energy initiatives and sense of community spirit. The study examines residents' expectations for participatory fairness and local benefits. Expected adverse impacts on local tourism or potential for discord within the community influence the acceptance for further development. Acceptance is also determined by trust in sources of information, including a designated community liaison officer. The concerns of residents living within the nearest 2 km radius of a wind farm and at the earliest and most uncertain phases of project planning can be crucial issues for acceptance.

Local conflicts and citizen participation in the German energy transition: Quantitative findings on the relationship between conflict and participation

The expansion of wind energy is accompanied by numerous local conflicts. Dialogue-oriented and financial citizen participation processes are seen as instruments to increase local acceptance. So far, no information is available when, how often and under which circumstances conflicts arise. Moreover, there are no quantitative empirical findings on the relationship between conflicts and participation procedures. The article addresses this research gap. Based on quantitative Data on conflicts and participation procedures in the expansion of wind energy in Lower Saxony, the article shows that local conflicts often occur where new wind farms are planned. Repowering or the expansion of existing wind farms is less likely to be accompanied by conflicts. In addition, there seems to be habituation effects. This means that in municipalities where many wind turbines are already in operation, there are fewer conflicts than in municipalities with fewer wind turbines. The multiple correlation analysis shows a clear correlation between the occurrence of local conflicts and the availability of dialogue-oriented and financial participation procedures. The question of whether the conflict is a consequence of the participation process or whether the participation process is a consequence of the conflict cannot be answered. Further research is needed to answer this question.