Review of wake management techniques for wind turbines

Journal Article · 26 August 2021 · Wind Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/we.2668 · OSTI ID:1817767

Houck, Daniel R.  ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Laboratories Albuquerque New Mexico 87123 USA

Summary The progression of wind turbine technology has led to wind turbines being incredibly optimized machines often approaching their theoretical maximum production capabilities. When placed together in arrays to make wind farms, however, they are subject to wake interference that greatly reduces downstream turbines' power production, increases structural loading and maintenance, reduces their lifetimes, and ultimately increases the levelized cost of energy. Development of techniques to manage wakes and operate larger and larger arrays of turbines more efficiently is now a crucial field of research. Herein, four wake management techniques in various states of development are reviewed. These include axial induction control, wake steering, the latter two combined, and active wake control. Each of these is reviewed in terms of its control strategies and use for power maximization, load reduction, and ancillary services. By evaluating existing research, several directions for future research are suggested.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 1817767
• Report Number(s): SAND-2021-11244J; SAND-2021-8514J
• Journal Information: Wind Energy, Journal Name: Wind Energy Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 25; ISSN 1095-4244
• Publisher: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English