Bayesian optimization of the layout of wind farms with a high-fidelity surrogate model

TL;DR

This paper presents a Bayesian optimization framework using high-fidelity simulations to improve wind farm layouts by accurately modeling complex flow phenomena, leading to more efficient wind farm designs.

Contribution

It introduces a novel gradient-free, data-driven Bayesian approach that incorporates detailed flow physics for wind farm layout optimization, surpassing traditional simple wake models.

Findings

Optimized wind farm layouts within few iterations

Accounted for complex flow phenomena like wake meandering

Achieved increased wind farm performance

Abstract

We introduce a gradient-free data-driven framework for optimizing the power output of a wind farm based on a Bayesian approach and large-eddy simulations. In contrast with conventional wind farm layout optimization strategies, which make use of simple wake models, the proposed framework accounts for complex flow phenomena such as wake meandering, local speed-ups and the interaction of the wind turbines with the atmospheric flow. The capabilities of the framework are demonstrated for the case of a small wind farm consisting of five wind turbines. It is shown that it can find optimal designs within a few iterations, while leveraging the above phenomena to deliver increased wind farm performance.