Initial assesment of RWE's turbines for optimal end-results
We started out by assessing and characterizing the MWT-1000A turbines, including scanning and reengineering a 3D blade model.
In 2014, RWE invited PowerCurve alongside three other independent suppliers of vortex generators to participate in on-site performance trials on RWE’s MWT-1000A turbines at Roscoe in Texas.
Based on RWE’s analysis results, our upgrades outshone the direct competition, as we recorded AEP improvements up to 4.4% and no lower than 2.8%. Pending further load testing, RWE is gearing up to roll out Power Curve vortex generators at Roscoe.
We tested on 10 turbines over 24 months, giving RWE 12 months of SCADA data prior to the installation of VGs and 12 months of data after.
In the performance analysis, RWE used the 12 months of pre-installation data as a baseline for direct comparison with the following 12 months of post-installation data. This ensured a high degree of statistical reliability in RWE’s validation of our solution’s impact on power performance.
RWE is operating in a highly competitive market, where every advantage matters. It is no easy task to keep wind turbines profitable, let alone entire wind farms.
Therefore, RWE is constantly on the lookout for ways to extend project profitability by lowering O&M costs and maximizing returns on their massive wind investments.
Many options exist, and it can be challenging to identify worthwhile solutions that provide the desired effect. Birgit Junker, Blade Specialist at RWE, explains:
“To all owners it is desirable to increase the power production. That’s why we decided to examine the power upgrade market, and extensive tests in Roscoe show that Power Curve’s solution provides us with the best AEP improvement of the four solutions we tried. Final tests are still in progress, but all indications are that the product works. Needless to say, raising our energy output by 2-4% will have a big impact.”
We started out by assessing and characterizing the MWT-1000A turbines, including scanning and reengineering a 3D blade model.
With this data, we ran advanced flow simulations of relevant blade sections to determine the optimal VG size and position on the blades. We then defined a VG design, simulating the expected power increase.
Finally, with all specifications set and agreed upon, the VGs were put into production and installed on-site by technicians trained by the PowerCurve experts.
Final tests are still in progress, but all indications are that the product works. Needless to say, raising our energy output by 2-4% will have a big impact.
We started out by assessing and characterizing the MWT-1000A turbines, including scanning and reengineering a 3D blade model.
With this data, we ran advanced flow simulations of relevant blade sections to determine the optimal VG size and position on the blades. We then defined a VG design, simulating the expected power increase.
Finally, with all specifications set and agreed upon, the VGs were put into production and installed on-site by technicians trained by the PowerCurve experts.