In partnership with Senvion Canada, the TechnoCentre éolien (TCE) will carry out a project over the next three years that aims to optimize the control function of Senvion MM wind turbines in icing conditions.
The objective consists of maximizing energy production while minimizing risk to the structural integrity of the turbine and its components. TCE intends to help improve icing detection, validate icing loads, and optimize the turbine’s control parameter during icing events.
These objectives will be achieved by means of a measurement campaign on no fewer than four Senvion MM CCV turbines currently operating at several wind farms in Quebec, Canada. These wind farms experience moderate-to-severe icing conditions. The turbines will be fitted with meteorological instruments and icing sensors, and the meteorological, operational, and structural load data will be analyzed and correlated. The turbines’ control function in icing conditions will then be optimized based on the results of analyses.
“Over the past few years, the TechnoCentre éolien has developed an expertise in icing characterization and video image analysis. Today, this expertise allows us to undertake this large and important research project with Senvion Canada, a trustworthy partner of TCE with whom we have collaborated for a number of years”, affirms Frédéric Côté, General Manager of the TechnoCentre éolien.
Helmut Herold CEO of Senvion in North America added. “We are proud to continue our work with TechnoCentre éolien. TCE’s expertise and knowledge has helped Senvion adapt its products to best fit Quebec’s cold climate conditions and continue to research and optimize our machines. A partnership such as this brings into light the continued innovation that is emerging in Quebec, which aims to improve on existing standards.”
This project benefits from a research subsidy of $448,032 granted by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles in liaison with the TechnoCentre éolien. The project will also have considerable advantages for the teaching establishment through student involvement. It is noted that a contribution from Senvion Canada estimated at $735,953 completes the cost of the project.
Senvion Canada
www.senvion.com
TechnoCentre éolien
www.eolien.qc.ca
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