Characterizing ramp events in floating offshore wind power through a fully coupled electrical-mechanical mathematical model

Chen, L., Yang, J. and Lou, C. (2024) Characterizing ramp events in floating offshore wind power through a fully coupled electrical-mechanical mathematical model. Renewable Energy, 221, 119803. (doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.119803)

Abstract

Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) exhibit a noteworthy nonlinear low-frequency dynamic response during rated and higher wind-wave scenarios, leading to a substantial exacerbation of its power characteristics, power stability, and wind energy forecast reliability. This study develops a fully coupled FOWT model to investigate the impact of wind and wave loads on wind power ramp events (WPREs), which integrates mechanical and electrical factors, including a spar buoy FOWT with generator, converter, and aero-hydro-servo-elastic (AHSE) dynamics. Results indicate that the floating structure enables periodic and significant WPREs of FOWTs, as wave load and platform natural motion causing low and ultra-low frequency response. In contrast to bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines (OWT), FOWTs exhibit a supplementary decline in rated power output ranging from 7.9 % to 40.5 % during WPREs. Moreover, ramp peak mainly depends on the aerodynamic loads, but become sensitive to wave loads characterized by wave heights over 2.52 m. FOWT power performance is highly unstable within the rated wind speed range, under WPREs within ultra short time period, resulting in failure to meet grid standards, emphasizing the external need for targeted power compensation and power signal processing. Overall, this study highlights the importance of pitch motion and wave load impact for WPRE study of FOWTs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Floating offshore wind turbine, wind energy conversion system, wind power ramp event, power quality.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yang, Dr Jin and Lou, Dr Chengwei and Chen, Mr Lingte

Creator Roles

Chen, L.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – original draft
Yang, J.: Supervision, Validation, Writing – review and editing
Lou, C.: Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Chen, L., Yang, J., and Lou, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Renewable Energy
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0960-1481
• ISSN (Online): 1879-0682
• Published Online: 17 December 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Renewable Energy 221:119803
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license