Title: Models and Algorithms for Wind Farm Network Design

Speaker: Rich Chen, University of Michigan (Interview Candidate for 8964)

Date/Time: Monday, May 18, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (PST)

Location: Building 915, Room S101 (Sandia CA), CSRI Building, Room 279 (Sandia NM)          

Brief Abstract: This presentation outlines models and algorithms needed to design large-scale networks of wind turbine generators. Wind-generated electricity is widely regarded as a promising way to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emission, but it also introduces new challenges not seen in the design of networks of conventional (e.g. nuclear or fossil-fuel based) generators. In particular, wind turbine output is entirely dependent on wind speed, which is strongly stochastic and variable with respect to location. Furthermore, the relationship between wind speed and turbine power is highly non-linear and discontinuous. As a result, it is not only more important to take location into account when designing wind-based networks, but also far more difficult. This talk presents two reliability constrained wind network design models and algorithmic frameworks for solving them.

CSRI POC: Mike Hardwick, (925) 294-2157, Patty Hough, (925) 294-1518