Researchers at the University of Rostock and the IWEN Energy Institute are exploring how artificial intelligence can improve the control of modern wind turbines. The work builds on a long-term cooperation with the Laboratory of Energy and Thermal Systems, part of the National Engineering School of Monastir in Tunisia.
The research has attracted strong interest from the wind energy community. It was recently presented at the Making Torque Conference, and two related papers have now been published in the Journal of Physics.
Paper "An improved model predictive control framework for yaw systems using wind speed and direction forecasting"
Paper "Neural Network Wind Speed Estimator for Wind Turbine"
The first paper presents a new method for controlling the turning direction of wind turbines. By using short-term predictions of wind speed and wind direction, the system can decide earlier and more accurately how the turbine should turn. This helps reduce misalignment with the wind, avoids unnecessary or sudden movements, and can increase power production. Simulation results show that the method enables wind turbines to react more intelligently when wind conditions change.
The second paper focuses on wind speed estimation, which is essential for effective turbine control. The researchers developed a learning-based method that uses turbine measurement data, including generator speed, torque, power, blade bending, and blade angle. Compared with a traditional model-based method, the new approach estimates wind speed more accurately and with much less delay. The simulations show better performance across a wide range of wind conditions.
Together, the two studies show the potential of artificial intelligence to significantly improve the operation of wind turbines, increase energy production, and at the same time reduce loads. The results contribute to ongoing efforts to improve renewable energy technologies and support the further development of intelligent control systems for wind energy. The results will be further explored in the Eleon 10+MW project, an ongoing industrial research project for next-generation wind turbine technology.
Photo from left to right: Mohsen Moomkesh (formerly research associate at the university of Rostock and now working for NE-2 New Energy Engineering), Eya Aloi (working on a post-graduate state grant from Mecklenburg Western Pomerania) and Uwe Ritschel (Head of IWEN Energy Institute). Not on the picture: Imed Khabbouchi (Professor at University of Monastir).