AI for Wind Turbine Optimization: turbine underperformance analysis to reduce power loss
Impact
Otary, a Belgian partnership for sustainable offshore energy, is leveraging machine learning to optimize the performance of their existing wind turbines. This innovative approach helps Otary maximize energy production and reduce costs, contributing to a more sustainable energy future for Belgium.
Intro to the customer
Otary is a unique partnership of eight Belgian companies committed to the development, financing, construction, and management of offshore wind farms. Their collaborative approach brings together a diverse range of expertise to drive innovation and advance sustainable energy solutions.
Challenge
Otary sought to gain a deeper understanding of the performance of their wind turbines and identify factors contributing to both over- and under-performance. The model that was in place, as provided by OEM, wasn’t always able to accurately predict or explain the observed power output. In order to gain a better understanding and optimize their operations, Otaray needed to analyze vast amounts of data and develop a system for real-time monitoring and prediction of the energy production.
The results are very promising. We now have more insight into the behavior of our wind turbines. This will help us further reduce the cost of offshore wind energy
Solution
Otary, in collaboration with ML6, built a machine learning model to improve the prediction of the power output of their wind turbines. This model takes into account various factors such as wind speed, wind direction, turbine location, and other relevant parameters. By understanding the drivers of under-performance, Otary can take proactive steps to address issues and optimize energy output, further increasing the profitability of their offshore wind parks.
The key to this project was linking the model's predictions to actionable insights for the business. We focused on making the predictions understandable, so Otary knows which factors can lead to under-performance and can take action.
Results
Through the implementation of a sophisticated machine learning model developed in collaboration with ML6, Otary has achieved a significant leap in understanding and optimizing the performance of their offshore wind turbines. This solution has resulted in more accurate power output predictions, surpassing existing OEM models, and provided critical insights into the factors influencing both over- and under-performance. By leveraging these insights, Otary is now empowered to make data-driven decisions that will reduce operational costs, maximize energy production, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future for Belgium, with the added benefit of real-time monitoring and prediction of energy production.