Enhanced wake mixing in wind farms using the Helix approach: A loads sensitivity study

Abstract

The Helix approach is a control technology that reduces the wake effect in wind farms by accelerating wake mixing through individual pitch control, resulting in significant AEP gain. However, this study found that depending on its settings, the controller may increase pitch bearing damage and loads on some turbine components. Using a modified version of NREL’s Reference OpenSource Controller in OpenFAST, this study analysed the sensitivity of loads and pitch bearing damage to different Helix controller settings on the IEA-15MW reference offshore wind turbine. Results showed that loads increased with the excitation signal amplitude but were less affected by its frequency. Additionally, more pitch bearing damage was observed in the counterclockwise Helix direction, while slightly higher loads were observed in the clockwise direction when using the same excitation signal amplitude and frequency for both directions.