In the heart of China’s energy landscape, a groundbreaking development is unfolding at Tianjin University. Li Guo, a researcher at the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, has pioneered a novel approach to optimizing the control of reactive power and voltage in wind farms. This innovative method, detailed in a recent publication in the ‘CSEE Journal of Power and Energy Systems’ (Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering Journal of Power and Energy Systems), promises to revolutionize how wind farms are managed, with significant implications for the energy sector.
Traditional methods for controlling reactive power and voltage in wind farms often rely on detailed models of the system, which can be complex and time-consuming to develop. Guo’s approach, however, is model-free, meaning it doesn’t require prior knowledge of the wind farm’s parameters. This breakthrough could dramatically simplify the process and make it more efficient.
“Our method leverages data-driven power flow and the Koopman operator-based technique to construct a power flow model,” Guo explains. “This allows us to create a state space mapping and lift-dimension linearization, which is crucial for our optimization control model.”
The method considers reactive power devices such as wind turbines and static var generators (SVGs) within the wind farm. By using a global sensitivity-based reactive power and voltage linear optimization control model, Guo’s approach aims to minimize the reactive power adjustment of wind turbines and SVGs. This not only optimizes the distribution of reactive power but also reduces active power loss, ensuring rapid voltage control responses.
The feasibility of this method has been verified using historical data from a wind farm in Ningxia, a region known for its vast wind resources. The results are promising, showing that the model-free approach outperforms traditional model-based methods in terms of parameter dependency and efficiency.
“This research opens up new possibilities for the energy sector,” says Guo. “By reducing the need for detailed modeling, we can make wind farm management more efficient and cost-effective. This could lead to significant commercial impacts, as wind farms become more reliable and easier to integrate into the grid.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy sources, the ability to efficiently manage wind farms will become increasingly important. Guo’s model-free approach could pave the way for more advanced and flexible control systems, making wind power a more viable and attractive option for energy providers.
The publication of this research in the ‘CSEE Journal of Power and Energy Systems’ underscores its significance and potential impact on the field. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like Guo’s will be crucial in shaping the future of power generation and distribution.
