Efficiency of Multi-Machine Wind Turbines in the Arctic and the Far North

Abstract

The relevance of the method of automated control of a multi-machine wind power plant with a horizontal axis of rotation is substantiated. The method is based on the timely preparation of the system for external disturbing influences by anticipating wind speed and electrical load, and by estimating the lead time for activating the pitch drive motor to pre-adjust the blade angle. This ensures increased stability of rotor speed and timely consideration of the power unit’s operating state when distributing electricity to consumers in northern latitudes. The goal is optimal planning to guarantee the required volume and schedule of consumed electric power, as well as efficient operation of the wind power plant with maximum efficiency across a wide range of wind loads in the Arctic and the Far North. A review of the main methods of controlling a multi-machine wind power plant showed that until now there has been no practical experience in operating such complexes, except for mathematical modeling of system operating modes. Based on the results of mathematical and computer modeling of rotor angular velocity control for the studied wind turbine, it was established that the possible number of additional generators connected to the wind power plant may reach up to four units. The maximum wind speed range required for full loading of a five-machine power unit reaches 26 m/s. It was also determined at which wind speed it becomes expedient to connect the next generator to the installation. This integrates harmoniously into the proposed control method based on anticipation of wind speed and electrical load, thereby providing timely information for decision-making on the number of generators to be connected depending on wind flow power variations, as well as issuing operational control commands aimed at improving the stability of rotor speed in the wind turbine.