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20 pages, 6857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Fault Ride-Through Strategy by an MMC HVDC Transmission for Off-Shore Wind Farm Interconnection

by Junghun Lee, Yeuntae Yoo, Minhan Yoon and Gilsoo Jang

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(12), 2522; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9122522 - 20 Jun 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4529

Abstract

In order to solve the problems brought upon by off-shore wind-power plants, it is important to improve fault ride-through capability when an on-shore fault occurs in order to prevent DC overvoltage. In this paper, a coordinated control strategy is implemented for a doubly-fed [...] Read more.

In order to solve the problems brought upon by off-shore wind-power plants, it is important to improve fault ride-through capability when an on-shore fault occurs in order to prevent DC overvoltage. In this paper, a coordinated control strategy is implemented for a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based off-shore wind farm, which connects to on-shore land by a modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system during an on-shore fault. The proposed control strategy adjusts the DC voltage of the off-shore converter to ride through fault condition, simultaneously varying off-shore AC frequency. The grid-side converter detects the frequency difference, and the rotor-side converter curtails the output power of the DFIG. The surplus energy will be accumulated at the rotor by accelerating the rotor speed and DC link by rising DC voltage. By the time the fault ends, energy stored in the rotor and energy stored in the DC capacitor will be released to the on-shore side to restore the normal transmission state. Based on the control strategy, the off-shore wind farm will ride through an on-shore fault with minimum rotor stress. To verify the validity of the proposed control strategy, a DFIG-based wind farm connecting to the on-shore side by an MMC HVDC system is simulated by PSCAD with an on-shore Point of Common Coupling side fault scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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10 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Key Issues on the Design of an Offshore Wind Farm Layout and Its Equivalent Model

by Yuan-Kang Wu, Wen-Chin Wu and Jyun-Jie Zeng

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(9), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9091911 - 9 May 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3332

Abstract

Offshore wind farms will have larger capacities in the future than they do today. Thus, the costs that are associated with the installation of wind turbines and the connection of power grids will be much higher, thus the location of wind turbines and [...] Read more.

Offshore wind farms will have larger capacities in the future than they do today. Thus, the costs that are associated with the installation of wind turbines and the connection of power grids will be much higher, thus the location of wind turbines and the design of internal cable connections will be even more important. A large wind farm comprises of hundreds of wind turbines. Modeling each using a complex model leads to long simulation times—especially in transient response analyses. Therefore, in the future, simulations of power systems with a high wind power penetration must apply the equivalent wind-farm model to reduce the burden of calculation. This investigation examines significant issues around the optimal design of a modern offshore wind farm layout and its equivalent model. According to a review of the literature, the wake effect and its modeling, layout optimization technologies, cable connection design, and wind farm reliability, are significant issues in offshore wind farm design. This investigation will summarize these important issues and present a list of factors that strongly influence the design of an offshore wind farm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

18 pages, 8727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wave Force Characteristics of Large-Sized Offshore Wind Support Structures to Sea Levels and Wave Conditions

by Youn-Ju Jeong, Min-Su Park, Jeongsoo Kim and Sung-Hoon Song

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(9), 1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9091855 - 6 May 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4392

Abstract

This paper presents the results of wave force tests conducted on three types of offshore support structures considering eight waves and three sea levels to investigate the corresponding wave forces. As a result of this study, it is found that the occurrence of [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of wave force tests conducted on three types of offshore support structures considering eight waves and three sea levels to investigate the corresponding wave forces. As a result of this study, it is found that the occurrence of shoaling in shallow water induces a significant increase of the wave force. Most of the test models at the shallow water undergo a nonlinear increase of the wave force with higher wave height increasing. In addition, the larger the diameter of the support structure within the range of this study, the larger the diffraction effect is, and the increase in wave force due to shoaling is suppressed. Under an irregular wave at the shallow water, the wave force to the long-period wave tends to be slightly higher than that of the short period wave since the higher wave height component included in the irregular wave has an influence on the shoaling. In addition, it is found that the influence of shoaling under irregular wave becomes more apparent in the long period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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15 pages, 10309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupled Analysis of Offshore Wind Turbine Jacket Structures with Pile-Soil-Structure Interaction Using FAST v8 and X-SEA

by Pasin Plodpradit, Van Nguyen Dinh and Ki-Du Kim

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(8), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9081633 - 19 Apr 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 9740

Abstract

The coupled analysis between a turbine in operating condition and a complex jacket support structure was formulated in this paper for the reliable evaluation of offshore wind turbine structures including pile-soil-structure interactions (PSSIs). Discussions on the theoretical and simulation aspects of the coupled [...] Read more.

The coupled analysis between a turbine in operating condition and a complex jacket support structure was formulated in this paper for the reliable evaluation of offshore wind turbine structures including pile-soil-structure interactions (PSSIs). Discussions on the theoretical and simulation aspects of the coupled analysis are presented. The dynamic coupled analysis was implemented in X-SEA program and validated with FAST v8 (fatigue, aerodynamics, structures and turbulence) developed by NREL, USA. By replacing the sub-structural module in the FAST with the component of offshore substructure in the X-SEA, the reaction forces and the turbine loads were calculated in each time step and the results from X-SEA were compared with that from FAST. It showed very good agreement with each other. A case study of a NREL 5MW offshore wind turbine on a jacket support structure was performed. Coupled dynamic analyses of offshore wind turbine and support structures with PSSI were carried out. The results showed that in the coupled analysis, the responses of the structure are significantly less than in the uncoupled analysis. The support structure considering PSSI exhibited decreased natural frequencies and more flexible responses compared to the fixed-support structure. The implemented coupled analysis including PSSI was shown to be more accurate and computationally efficient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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19 pages, 9507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study of a Proposed Semi-Submersible Floating Platform with Different Numbers of Offset Columns Based on the DeepCwind Prototype for Improving the Wave-Resistance Ability

by Zhenqing Liu, Yicheng Fan, Wei Wang and Guowei Qian

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(6), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9061255 - 25 Mar 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6079

Abstract

DeepCwind semi-submersible floating offshore wind turbines have been widely examined, and in some countries this type of floating offshore wind turbine has been adopted in the construction of floating wind farms. However, the DeepCwind semi-submersible floating offshore wind turbines still experience large surge [...] Read more.

DeepCwind semi-submersible floating offshore wind turbines have been widely examined, and in some countries this type of floating offshore wind turbine has been adopted in the construction of floating wind farms. However, the DeepCwind semi-submersible floating offshore wind turbines still experience large surge motion that limits their operational time. Therefore, in this study, a semi-submersible floating platform with different numbers of offset columns, but with the same total weight, based on the DeepCwind prototype is proposed. From the free-decay test, it was found that the number of the floating columns will affect the natural frequency of the platform. Furthermore, the regular wave test in the time domain and the irregular wave test in the frequency domain show that increasing the number of the floating columns will reduce the surge motion greatly, while the effects in the heave and pitch motions are not obvious. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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28 pages, 2256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Validation of Aero-Hydro-Servo-Elastic Models of a Scaled Floating Offshore Wind Turbine

by Kasper Jessen, Kasper Laugesen, Signe M. Mortensen, Jesper K. Jensen and Mohsen N. Soltani

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(6), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9061244 - 25 Mar 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4903

Abstract

Floating offshore wind turbines are complex dynamical systems. The use of numerical models is an essential tool for the prediction of the fatigue life, ultimate loads and controller design. The simultaneous wind and wave loading on a non-stationary foundation with a flexible tower [...] Read more.

Floating offshore wind turbines are complex dynamical systems. The use of numerical models is an essential tool for the prediction of the fatigue life, ultimate loads and controller design. The simultaneous wind and wave loading on a non-stationary foundation with a flexible tower makes the development of numerical models difficult, the validation of these numerical models is a challenging task as the floating offshore wind turbine system is expensive and the testing of these may cause loss of the system. The validation of these numerical models is often made on scaled models of the floating offshore wind turbines, which are tested in scaled environmental conditions. In this study, an experimental validation of two numerical models for a floating offshore wind turbines will be conducted. The scaled model is a 1:35 Froude scaled 5 MW offshore wind turbine mounted on a tension-leg platform. The two numerical models are aero-hydro-servo-elastic models. The numerical models are a theoretical model developed in a MATLAB/Simulink environment by the authors, while the other model is developed in the turbine simulation tool FAST. A comparison between the numerical models and the experimental dynamics shows good agreement. Though some effects such as the periodic loading from rotor show a complexity, which is difficult to capture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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17 pages, 2805 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Optimal Power Dispatch of an Offshore Wind Farm under Generator Fault

by Kuichao Ma, Jiangsheng Zhu, Mohsen Soltani, Amin Hajizadeh and Zhe Chen

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(6), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9061184 - 20 Mar 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2724

Abstract

For offshore wind farms, the power loss caused by the wake effect is large due to the large capacity of the wind turbine. At the same time, the operating environment of the offshore wind farm is very harsh, and the cost of maintenance [...] Read more.

For offshore wind farms, the power loss caused by the wake effect is large due to the large capacity of the wind turbine. At the same time, the operating environment of the offshore wind farm is very harsh, and the cost of maintenance is higher than that of the onshore wind farm. Therefore, it is worthwhile to study through reasonable control how to reduce the wake loss of the wind farm and minimize the losses caused by the fault. In this paper, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the active power dispatch of wind farms under generator cooling system faults. The optimization objectives include avoiding the further deterioration of the generator fault, reducing unnecessary power loss of the faulty wind turbine, tracking the power demand from the Transmission System Operator (TSO), and reducing the power fluctuation caused by the PSO algorithm. The proposed optimal power dispatch strategy was compared with the two generally-used fault-handling methods and the proportional dispatch strategy in simulation. The result shows that the proposed strategy can improve the power generation capacity of the wind farm and achieve an efficient trade-off between power generation and fault protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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22 pages, 9352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Analysis of a Catenary Mooring System Attached by Clump Masses for Improving the Wave-Resistance Ability of a Spar Buoy-Type Floating Offshore Wind Turbine

by Zhenqing Liu, Yuangang Tu, Wei Wang and Guowei Qian

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(6), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9061075 - 14 Mar 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4529

Abstract

The International Energy Agency (IEA), under the auspices of their Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration (OC3) initiative, has completed high-level design OC-3 Hywind system. In this system the wind turbine is supported by a spar buoy platform, showing good wave-resistance performance. However, there are [...] Read more.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), under the auspices of their Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration (OC3) initiative, has completed high-level design OC-3 Hywind system. In this system the wind turbine is supported by a spar buoy platform, showing good wave-resistance performance. However, there are still large values in the motion of surge degree of freedom (DOF). Addition of clump masses on the mooring lines is an effective way of reducing the surge motion. However, the optimization of the locations where the clump masses are added is still not clear. In this study, therefore, an in-house developed code is verified by comparing the results of the original OC3 model with those by FAST. The improvement of the performance of this modified platform as a function of the location of the clump masses has been examined under three regular waves and three irregular waves. In the findings of these examination, it was apparent that attaching clump masses with only one-tenth of the mass of the total mooring-line effectively reduces the wave-induced response. Moreover, there is an obvious improvement as the depth of the location where the clump masses mounted is increased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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21 pages, 526 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dynamic Rating of Three-Core XLPE Submarine Cables for Offshore Wind Farms

by Thomas V. M. Nielsen, Simon Jakobsen and Mehdi Savaghebi

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(4), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9040800 - 25 Feb 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8698

Abstract

This article aims to determine the most suitable cross-sectional area for a high voltage alternating current (HVAC) submarine cable in the design phase of new projects. A thermal ladder network method (LNM) was used to analyse the thermal behaviour in the centre of [...] Read more.

This article aims to determine the most suitable cross-sectional area for a high voltage alternating current (HVAC) submarine cable in the design phase of new projects. A thermal ladder network method (LNM) was used to analyse the thermal behaviour in the centre of the conductor as the hottest spot of the cable. On the basis of the calculated cable parameters and a thermal cable analysis of transient conditions applied by a step function with a time duration greater than 1 h, this article proposes a method for a dynamic rating of submarine cables. The dynamic rating is accomplished through an iterative process. The method was tested with a MATLAB simulation and validated in comparison with a finite element method (FEM)-based approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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16 pages, 652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Fault Diagnosis Techniques Applied to an Offshore Wind Turbine System

by Silvio Simani and Paolo Castaldi

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(4), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9040783 - 22 Feb 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3941

Abstract

Fault diagnosis of wind turbine systems is a challenging process, especially for offshore plants, and the search for solutions motivates the research discussed in this paper. In fact, these systems must have a high degree of reliability and availability to remain functional in [...] Read more.

Fault diagnosis of wind turbine systems is a challenging process, especially for offshore plants, and the search for solutions motivates the research discussed in this paper. In fact, these systems must have a high degree of reliability and availability to remain functional in specified operating conditions without needing expensive maintenance works. Especially for offshore plants, a clear conflict exists between ensuring a high degree of availability and reducing costly maintenance. Therefore, this paper presents viable fault detection and isolation techniques applied to a wind turbine system. The design of the so-called fault indicator relies on an estimate of the fault using data-driven methods and effective tools for managing partial knowledge of system dynamics, as well as noise and disturbance effects. In particular, the suggested data-driven strategies exploit fuzzy systems and neural networks that are used to determine nonlinear links between measurements and faults. The selected architectures are based on nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input prototypes, which approximate dynamic relations with arbitrary accuracy. The designed fault diagnosis schemes were verified and validated using a high-fidelity simulator that describes the normal and faulty behavior of a realistic offshore wind turbine plant. Finally, by accounting for the uncertainty and disturbance in the wind turbine simulator, a hardware-in-the-loop test rig was used to assess the proposed methods for robustness and reliability. These aspects are fundamental when the developed fault diagnosis methods are applied to real offshore wind turbines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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28 pages, 10434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Hydrodynamic Forces for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines on Spar Buoys and Tension Leg Platforms with the Mooring Systems in Waves

by Yu-Hsien Lin, Shin-Hung Kao and Cheng-Hao Yang

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(3), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9030608 - 12 Feb 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6691

Abstract

This study aims to develop a modularized simulation system to estimate dynamic responses of floating Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs) based on the concepts of spar buoy and Tension Leg Platform (TLP) corresponding with two typical mooring lines. The modular system consists of the [...] Read more.

This study aims to develop a modularized simulation system to estimate dynamic responses of floating Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs) based on the concepts of spar buoy and Tension Leg Platform (TLP) corresponding with two typical mooring lines. The modular system consists of the hydrodynamic simulator based the Cummins time domain equation, the Boundary Element Method (BEM) solver based on the 3D source distribution method, and an open-source visualization software ParaView to analyze the interaction between floating OWTs and waves. In order to realize the effects of mooring loads on the floating OWTs, the stiffness and damping matrices are applied to the quasi-static mooring system. The Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) are compared between our predicted results and other published data to verify the modularized simulation system and understand the influence of mooring load on the motion responses in regular or irregular waves. It is also demonstrated that the quasi-static mooring system is applicable to different types of mooring lines as well as determining real-time motion responses. Eventually, wave load components at the resonance frequencies of different motion modes for selected floating OWTs would be present in the time domain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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14 pages, 2037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wind Farm Power Production Assessment: Introduction of a New Actuator Disc Method and Comparison with Existing Models in the Context of a Case Study

by Nikolaos Simisiroglou, Heracles Polatidis and Stefan Ivanell

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(3), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9030431 - 28 Jan 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4084

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to perform a comparative analysis of two actuator disc methods (ACD) and two analytical wake models for wind farm power production assessment. To do so, wind turbine power production data from the Lillgrund offshore wind farm [...] Read more.

The aim of the present study is to perform a comparative analysis of two actuator disc methods (ACD) and two analytical wake models for wind farm power production assessment. To do so, wind turbine power production data from the Lillgrund offshore wind farm in Sweden is used. The measured power production for individual wind turbines is compared with results from simulations, done in the WindSim software, using two ACD methods (ACD (2008) and ACD (2016)) and two analytical wake models widely used within the wind industry (Jensen and Larsen wake models). It was found that the ACD (2016) method and the Larsen model outperform the other method and model in most cases. Furthermore, results from the ACD (2016) method show a clear improvement in the estimated power production in comparison to the ACD (2008) method. The Jensen method seems to overestimate the power deficit for all cases. The ACD (2016) method, despite its simplicity, can capture the power production within the given error margin although it tends to underestimate the power deficit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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20 pages, 3613 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Simultaneous Optimisation of Cable Connection Schemes and Capacity for Offshore Wind Farms via a Modified Bat Algorithm

by Yuanhang Qi, Peng Hou, Liang Yang and Guangya Yang

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(2), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9020265 - 13 Jan 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3421

Abstract

Offshore wind energy has attracted worldwide attention and investments in the last decade due to the stability and abundance of wind resources. As one of the main components of this, internal array cables have a great impact on the levelised cost of energy [...] Read more.

Offshore wind energy has attracted worldwide attention and investments in the last decade due to the stability and abundance of wind resources. As one of the main components of this, internal array cables have a great impact on the levelised cost of energy of offshore wind farms, and thus their connection layout is a matter of concern. In this paper, a classical mathematical problem—the traveling salesman problem, which belongs to the field of graph theory—is applied to solve the offshore wind farm cable connection layout optimization problem. Both the capital investment on cables, cable laying, and the cost of power losses associated with array cables are considered in the proposed model. A modified bat algorithm is presented to resolve the problem. Furthermore, a cable crossing detection method is also adopted to avoid obtaining crossed cable connection layouts. The effectiveness was verified through a case study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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20 pages, 7243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response Characteristics of the DeepCwind Floating Wind Turbine Moored by a Single-Point Mooring System

by Yingyi Liu, Shigeo Yoshida, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Akinori Toyofuku, Guanghua He and Shunhan Yang

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8(11), 2306; https://doi.org/10.3390/app8112306 - 20 Nov 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6977

Abstract

In recent years, the SPM (Single-Point Mooring) concept has been widely employed in several branches of the naval architecture and marine engineering field, such as FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units), offshore oil rigs, etc., but not yet popular in the offshore [...] Read more.

In recent years, the SPM (Single-Point Mooring) concept has been widely employed in several branches of the naval architecture and marine engineering field, such as FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units), offshore oil rigs, etc., but not yet popular in the offshore wind energy. To investigate the response characteristics of an SPM-moored FWT (Floating Wind Turbine), in the present work, we perform a numerical study on the DeepCwind semisubmersible wind turbine, using the state-of-the-art open-source tool FAST. The free-decay test results show that the SPM layout affects the natural periods of the wind turbine in rotational modes, as well as the mooring stiffness of the diagonal rotational and crossing rotational-translational terms, especially in relation to the yaw mode. Comparisons of the RAOs (Response Amplitude Operators) elucidate that the presence of wind influences significantly the sway, roll and yaw motions of the SPM layout. Finally, the weathervane test shows that an asymmetry exists in the free-yaw motion response when the semisubmersible wind turbine is moored by an SPM system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 650 KiB

Open AccessReview

Decision Support Models for Operations and Maintenance for Offshore Wind Farms: A Review

by Helene Seyr and Michael Muskulus

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9020278 - 14 Jan 2019

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 7704

Abstract

This paper reviews the state of the art in offshore wind farm operations and maintenance with a focus on decision support models for the scheduling of maintenance. Factors influential to maintenance planning are collected from the literature and their inclusion in state-of-the-art models [...] Read more.

This paper reviews the state of the art in offshore wind farm operations and maintenance with a focus on decision support models for the scheduling of maintenance. Factors influential to maintenance planning are collected from the literature and their inclusion in state-of-the-art models is discussed. Methods for modeling and optimization are presented. The methods currently used and possible alternatives are discussed. The existing models are already able to aid the decision-making process. They can be improved by applying more advanced mathematical methods, including uncertainties in the input, regarding more of the influential factors, and by collecting, analyzing, and subsequently using more accurate data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Offshore Wind Energy)

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