Breeze has published an e-book that presents a general overview of which methods and products are available for improving power performance, rather than presenting specific solutions of the individual actors. Focus is on wind turbines that have a nominal capacity greater than 1 MW.

Emphasis is placed on general upgrading techniques and concepts. Other means of improving production such improving power quality, availability and extending the lifespan, are not covered. The upgrading methods presented are mainly based on the current product portfolios of OEMs and other actors. Twelve of the largest wind turbine manufacturers established on the international market have been studied, along with other actors within the performance optimization field.

The document is a summary of the first deliverable in a project to evaluate quantitative methods to measure effects of power performance upgrades to wind turbines. The project is a Master Thesis in collaboration between the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and Breeze.

The project consists of three deliverables:

1. Map upgrades for increased power performance from wind turbines

2. Describe the dynamics between manufactures and owners of wind turbines

3. Evaluate methods for measuring power performance upgrading

The purpose of this work is to incorporate methods of evaluating power performance upgrades into the Breeze Production wind farm management system.

Terminology concepts of wind power upgrades

To be able to discuss upgrades and impact on performance of a wind turbine, it is important share common a ground on basic concepts. The terminology of upgrading often overlaps, and the marginal differences are easily confused. These are some of the most commonly used expressions:

Upgrade: To improve a system, either by updating or replacing key components.

Retrofit (fit in retrospect): A means of upgrading a system, which implies adding new components or features in retrospect to it. Retrofitting a system can denote either replacing it or adding additional equipment to it.

Recondition / refurbish: To restore a system to original condition and functionality; worn-out and damaged components are replaced.

Overhaul: To make an extensive inspection and reconditioning of a system, often associated with a complete disassembling and reconditioning of a wind turbine.

Modernization: To modernize a system is to bring it up-to-date. A wind turbine modernization often denotes a complete system overhaul and reconditioning, as well as major retrofitting of control systems.

Re-power (re-equip): To remove old wind turbines and fit new wind turbines in their place.

Power Performance Upgrade Activities

Studying the solutions available on the market and interviewing actors, the most common power performance enhancing activities of manufacturers and third parties were identified and categorized. The most pronounced effects on the power curve are indicated for each activity.

Source: Breeze