RENEwaBlE ENERgy 27
Modelling, simulating and testing
of renewable energy technologies
enewable energy remains a growth controller. The Control Design and Simulation
There has never been a
area despite the global recession Module provides a numerical simulation
greater need to develop
renewable energy
reducing general demand for energy environment that enables users to test the model,
generation systems,
Rand prices being considerably lower and the Control Design and Simulation Module
plus there is pressure
than when they peaked. While some organisations can be used to analyse the interactions between
to get such systems
may have cut back on their research into and hybrid mechanical-electrical systems (Fig. 1).
on stream quickly. Jon development of renewable energies, others Furthermore, the quality of existing models can
Severn looks modelling, remain very active. Compared with conventional be improved and other control strategies can be
simulation and testing
power generation systems, those using renewable investigated by simulating deep-bar induction
technologies used in
technologies are far from being mature, which generators and more complex models of drive
the development of
means that successful research and development trains.
renewable energy
systems.
can be extremely rewarding. And not only is it a
matter of refining existing technologies, but there
Breaking point
are some areas – such as solar power – where it A good example of National Instruments Labview
Nunca ha existido
is thought that new technologies could deliver being used in the physical testing of full-size
una necesidad tan a step change in the cost-per-watt for the power components is the project undertaken by Erik R.
grande de desarrollar generated. Jørgensen et al, of the Risø National Laboratory,
sistemas renovables
In common with virtually all fields of Roskilde, Denmark, (Full scale testing of wind
de generación de
engineering design today, the trend is towards turbine blade to failure – flapwise loading). In
energía, además existe
more digital prototyping this project a 25m long
la presión para que
dichos sistemas se
and computer- wind turbine blade was
empleen en la práctica
based evaluation tested to destruction at
lo antes posible. Jon
and testing before a three points along the
Severn examina el
commitment is made blade. Acoustic emission
papel que pueden to time-consuming (AE) sensing was used
jugar las tecnologías and expensive to detect damage
de modelación, la
production of either (such as cracking,
simulación y el ensayo
scale models or full-size deformation, debonding
para acelerar el
physical prototypes or delamination), with a
desarrollo de sistemas
de energías renovables.
of components or PAC (Physical Acoustic
systems. Nevertheless, Corporation) R15I
there inevitably comes sensor that incorporates
Nie war der Bedarf für
a point when physical an integral preamplifier.
eine Entwicklung von tests are necessary, so A customised system
Systemen für die the emphasis today developed by Demex
Erzeugung erneuerbarer
is on using digital and the Risø National
Energie größer als
Fig. 1. National Instruments Labview and the
technologies to Laboratory using
heute. Zudem gibt es
Labview Control Design and Simulation Module
streamline the testing Labview virtual
einen Druck, diese can simulate and test a complete wind turbine
Systeme so schnell wie
to minimise the time instruments and based
system.
möglich in Betrieb zu
required for testing and on a high-speed data
nehmen. Jon Severn
subsequent data analysis. card digitised the
untersucht die Rolle, die
One of the companies at the forefront entire AE signal waveform detected on four
Modellanalysen, of digital modelling and testing is National channels. A PAC Spartan AT system recorded
Simulationen und Instruments. Having progressed from its roots the waveform characteristics of each detected
Prüfverfahren im
in virtual instrumentation, this company now AE signal (amplitude, rise-time, energy, etc)
Hinblick auf eine
has powerful software for modelling, simulation on two channels. This test method enabled the
beschleunigte
and control. For example, National Instruments onset of ‘macro-damage’ to be identified and
Entwicklung von
Systemen für die
Labview and the Labview Control Design and also the ‘precursor micro-damage’ that cannot
Erzeugung erneuerbarer
Simulation Module can be used to simulate a subsequently be detected using conventional
Energie spielen.
full wind turbine system, including the turbine, non-destructive testing techniques. The Labview
mechanical drive train, generator, power grid and system used a time-of-flight virtual instrument
➠
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