Control of next-generation wind turbines

In CONTINUE (Control of next-generation wind turbines), DTU Wind and Vestas develop and demonstrate a “flow-field-aware controller” for the next generation of wind-turbine control.

The key innovations in the control system are 1) a hub lidar for high-fidelity wind measurements, 2) a real-time estimator of the full-field turbulence, and 3) a control algorithm that reacts to the full field. DTU will test the hub lidar using their Rotating Test Rig and implement real-time turbulence estimation, while Vestas focuses on a novel control algorithm that uses the rotor-wide turbulence field. A prototype of the control system will be demonstrated on a technologically relevant turbine with a rated power greater than 2 MW.

Preliminary investigations with the controller show substantially reduced fatigue loads, significantly reducing raw materials, cost and CO2 footprint of the turbine. Furthermore, the unprecedented wind data available from the new hub lidar and flow-field estimator are attractive for customers interested in turbine monitoring, wind farm control, lifetime-extension and power forecasting purposes.

The project results are disseminated via open databases, research publications and a Stakeholder Group covering the value chain. The first flow-aware turbines are expected to come on the market approximately two years after the project ends.