Heat & Flux

ECN holds a patent for the “Heat and Flux” concept. This concept aims at maximizing the power output of a wind farm by adjusting the axial induction of the windward turbines below their individual optimum for power production. This will reduce the velocity deficit in the wake and increase the output of the downwind turbines. Other benefits are decreased average loading of the upwind turbines and decreased fatigue loading of the turbines in the wake.  For this purpose, ECN developed models for calculating the power and energy production with “Heat and Flux” operation together with the assessment of turbulence levels in the wind farm. The models have been developed in close interaction with wind tunnel experiments on model turbines and farms and have been tested in full scale experiments on a row of five 2.5MW turbines. Qualitatively, the wind tunnel tests as well as the field experiments showed positive effects of the “Heat and Flux” control settings.