Real-time simulations raise the quality of the Nordex turbine-management software

The automation system plays a crucial role in the management of wind turbines, ensuring problem-free operations. If the complex software functions of the turbine-management system are not programmed properly, this may result in delays in putting the turbines into operation or generating unwanted error messages during the productive period. Nordex utilizes real-time simulations to identify and eliminate potential programming errors in the automation system prior to field deployment of the turbine. In this way, it is possible to test the Nordex Control 2 controlling software as well as wind turbine response under real conditions in the laboratory. "By using real-time simulations, we can immerse ourselves in a wind world generated by the computer to examine the real-life response of a virtual turbine across the entire wind spectrum at speeds of between 2 and 30 meters per second. This allows us to identify and completely remove potential errors in good time without placing people or the turbine at risk. The result is high-quality turbine-management software," explains Thomas Schubert head of operations management and electrical engineering at Nordex.

The Nordex Control 2 controlling software is particularly used with the multi-megawatt Nordex N80 and N90 turbines. Today, all turbines of this type are fitted with the new, quality-checked system. At the same time, Nordex has been able to implement an automation software system for wind turbines which creates audit trails. To make sure that the simulation really produces accurate results, Nordex has incorporated mathematical and physical algorithms of the main components to create a virtual image of the turbines. This simulation data is linked to the Phoenix Contact used in real operations and examined on the basis of genuine weather data as well as extreme artificial conditions. In a next step, Nordex will additionally be using the software simulation tool to examine mathematical turbine models for the increasingly important wind farm controlling and management systems. For this purpose, entire virtual wind farms will be developed to simulate grid connections for multiple wind turbines under real-time conditions. Looking ahead, Nordex plans to offer training for its own service staff as well as for operators. At the Service Academy, operators will be able to modify wind parameters in the simulation model at the click of the mouse and track turbine response. In this way, it will be possible for future users to familiarize themselves with the technical parameters and response of the turbine, practice using the system and gain experience with it. Accordingly, this will enable operating staff to practice particularly critical maneuvers as many times as is required to handle wind speeds and turbine response outside the normal range free of any risk.