Leobo: Long-term value optimization through automated reconfigurable wind turbine control and wind farm operational management

At a glance

• The Leobo project aims to make wind farm operations more flexible. Wind farm control is optimized over its entire lifespan of more than 20 years by using an automated reconfigurable control system that pursues both short- and long-term goals simultaneously across three hierarchical levels.
• The system is being developed using the example of adaptive noise emission control for wind farms. In particular, this is intended to generate more electricity at night without exceeding statutory noise limits – currently, noise protection requirements lead to significant losses in energy yield.
• Load-reducing operation protects the turbine components and enables a longer service life.
• Wind farms can respond flexibly to changing requirements – from grid and market services to new regulatory frameworks.
• Fraunhofer IWES develops the central wind farm control and communication solutions, participates in the field validation and does the overall project management.

The challenge

Wind farms are designed for operating lifespans of over 20 years but must cope with completely changed conditions over their lifetime - from new grid connection requirements and fluctuating electricity markets to stricter noise protection regulations. The current one-time configuration of turbine control does not allow for automatic adaptation to these changing requirements, leading to significant yield losses and operational risks.

The solution

Within the Leobo project, an automated, reconfigurable control system for existing and new wind farms is to be developed for the first time. A three-tiered, hierarchical control system that intelligently links long-term optimization (several years), wind farm control (minute/hour), and reconfigurable turbine control (seconds) is developed. By integrating noise and load management and accounting for future market and grid scenarios, the wind farm can respond flexibly to new requirements.

The added value

The project creates added value in several ways: by increasing energy yield through adaptive noise reduction and optimized operating strategies (economic), and by extending the service life of the turbines through load-reducing operation (technical). The improved integration of wind energy into the energy system through the flexible provision of grid and control services also brings significant benefits (ecological).