Using Real-time Environmental Data to Improve Wind Turbine Operations

Transcription

1 Using Real-time Environmental Data to Improve Wind Turbine Operations Ben Coulson, P.Eng. Principal, Leader Acoustics/Noise/Vibration I CANADA I CHINA I HONG KONG I INDIA I SINGAPORE I UK I USA

2 Overview Using environmental data in real-time can help resolve a variety of operations and maintenance issues Operational Goals Obstacles Real-time Data Use Scenarios 2

3 OPERATIONAL GOALS 3

4 Operational Goals Maximize power generation Improve technician conditions Operation Safety $$$ Maintenance Environment Reduce equipment damage or wear Address avian, sound, icing issues 4

5 OBSTACLES 5

6 Obstacles : Environment Adverse Weather Conditions Wind gusts and ice throw (Safety) Wind direction and wake effects (Operations) Forecasted wind speeds (Operations) Icing and wear (Maintenance) Avian Interference Curtailments to minimize mortality 6

7 Obstacles : Regulatory Resident Noise Complaints Confirmation Documentation Curtailments Regulatory Requirements Required shut-downs for sound monitoring or avian activity Limiting operational modes 7

8 REAL-TIME DATA COLLECTION 8

9 Real-Time Data: Modes Monitor Forecast 9

10 Real-Time Data: Efficiency & Automation Real-time forecasting and monitoring can address the challenges With distinct advantages Warnings and alerts Secure data archive Integrated data streaming Custom operator decision tools Coupled with automation, perform tasks efficiently Source identification ( fingerprinting ) Analyze maintenance concerns Provides ongoing data (e.g., compliance) Reduced costs and increased revenue 10

11 Real-Time Data: Operator Tools 11

12 Real-Time Data: Costs What about costs? Example: Cost Per Day of Sound Monitoring Equipment Cost Real-time Unattended Attended Size = Total Cost Person-Hours 12

13 USE SCENARIOS 13

14 Use Scenarios: Options How can it be used? Warning System Operation Optimization Preventative Curtailment Custom forecasts Isolating Maintenance Issues Ongoing Compliance Complaint Validation Source Determination Stakeholder Communication Forecast Monitoring 14

15 Use Scenarios: Warning Systems Wind Gust Alerts Crane safety Technicians 15

16 Use Scenarios: Operation Optimization Monitor shutdown status Minimise generation losses Avian & sound curtailments Dashboards can show operators when to curtail in real-time, saving money! 16

17 Use Scenarios: Preventative Curtailment Forecast icing events Website Smartphone 17

18 Use Scenarios: Custom Forecasts Local, high-resolution, short time step forecasts for: Power production / spot pricing Potential outage conditions Liquid water content 18

19 Use Scenarios: Isolating Maintenance Issues Use sound to isolate maintenance issues Blade defects Gearbox Transformer tones

20 Use Scenarios: Ongoing Compliance Ensure compliance by time of day and against differing parameters 20

21 Use Scenarios: Complaint Validation Zoom in to check events and listen to audio to verify complaint COMPLAINT RECEIVED

22 Use Scenarios: Source Determination Source frequency and temporal characteristics used to determine a source fingerprint Fingerprint used identify and extract certain sources in data record (in real-time) 22

23 Use Scenarios: Stakeholder Communication Stakeholders can be given limited access to real-time data via the Internet Assists with communication 23

24 Summary Real-time data Evolutionary Forecast and monitoring modes Provides distinct advantages Better data security Timely reporting Reduce life-cycle costs Additional analysis opportunities (fingerprinting) Improved stakeholder communication Facilitates resolution of operations, maintenance, safety and environment issues 24

25 Ben Coulson, P.Eng.: Principal, Leader Acoustics / Noise / Vibration Ben.Coulson@rwdi.com RWDI Consulting Engineers & Scientists 650 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1K 1B8 I CANADA I CHINA I HONG KONG I INDIA I SINGAPORE I UK I USA