Wind turbine pitch optimization

Benjamin Biegel, Morten Juelsgaard, Jakob Stoustrup, Matt Kraning, Stephen P. Boyd

Research output: Contribution to journalConference article in JournalResearchpeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We consider a static wind model for a three-bladed, horizontal-axis, pitch-controlled wind turbine. When placed in a wind field, the turbine experiences several mechanical loads, which generate power but also create structural fatigue. We address the problem of finding blade pitch profiles for maximizing power production while simultaneously minimizing fatigue loads. In this paper, we show how this problem can be approximately solved using convex optimization. When there is full knowledge of the wind field, numerical simulations show that force and torque RMS variation can be reduced by over 96% compared to any constant pitch profile while sacrificing at most 7% of the maximum attainable output power. Using iterative learning, we show that very similar performance can be achieved by using only load measurements, with no knowledge of the wind field or wind turbine model.
Original languageEnglish
JournalI E E E International Conference on Control Applications. Proceedings
ISSN1085-1992
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
EventIEEE Multi-Conference on Systems & Control - Denver, Colorado, United States
Duration: 28 Sept 201130 Sept 2011

Conference

ConferenceIEEE Multi-Conference on Systems & Control
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, Colorado
Period28/09/201130/09/2011

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