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Title: Optimization of wind plant layouts using an adjoint approach

Journal Article · · Wind Energy Science (Online)
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Using adjoint optimization and three-dimensional steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations, we present a new gradient-based approach for optimally siting wind turbines within utility-scale wind plants. By solving the adjoint equations of the flow model, the gradients needed for optimization are found at a cost that is independent of the number of control variables, thereby permitting optimization of large wind plants with many turbine locations. Moreover, compared to the common approach of superimposing prescribed wake deficits onto linearized flow models, the computational efficiency of the adjoint approach allows the use of higher-fidelity RANS flow models which can capture nonlinear turbulent flow physics within a wind plant. The steady-state RANS flow model is implemented in the Python finite-element package FEniCS and the derivation and solution of the discrete adjoint equations are automated within the dolfin-adjoint framework. Gradient-based optimization of wind turbine locations is demonstrated for idealized test cases that reveal new optimization heuristics such as rotational symmetry, local speedups, and nonlinear wake curvature effects. Layout optimization is also demonstrated on more complex wind rose shapes, including a full annual energy production (AEP) layout optimization over 36 inflow directions and 5 wind speed bins.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Technologies Office (EE-4W)
Grant/Contract Number:
UGA-0-41026-70; AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1346445
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1340643
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-2C00-67162
Journal Information:
Wind Energy Science (Online), Journal Name: Wind Energy Science (Online) Vol. 2 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 2366-7451
Publisher:
European Wind Energy Association - CopernicusCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Germany
Language:
English

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17 WIND ENERGY
wind turbines
siting
utility-scale
adjoint optimization
RANS simulations