Abstract: A real-time photovoltaic power plant control system and method of control for plant output, voltage regulation and/or power factor regulation. The system comprises a grid interface controller configured to receive power information from a power grid and provide commands for controlling at least one active or reactive power supplied to the power grid, a power plant controller configured to receive commands from the grid interface controller for and direct real-time output of the power plant, a plurality of local controllers connected to and controlled by the power plant controller, and a plurality of inverters each connected to supply power from at least one photovoltaic device to the power grid and arranged such that each local controller is connected to and controls at least one inverter, the inverters reporting status information in real-time back to the local controllers, and the local controller reporting status information in real-time back to the power plant controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control power output of a power plant. A control module includes a plurality of controllers for different power parameters of the power plant and a master controller. The plurality of controllers receive measured parameters from the power plant, compare the received parameters with received set points, and provide respective reactive power commands to the power plant. The master controller determines which of the plurality of controllers is to be enabled to output a reactive power command to the power plant.

Abstract: A real-time photovoltaic power plant control system and method of control for plant output, voltage regulation and/or power factor regulation. The system comprises a grid interface controller configured to receive power information from a power grid and provide commands for controlling at least one active or reactive power supplied to the power grid, a power plant controller configured to receive commands from the grid interface controller for and direct real-time output of the power plant, a plurality of local controllers connected to and controlled by the power plant controller, and a plurality of inverters each connected to supply power from at least one photovoltaic device to the power grid and arranged such that each local controller is connected to and controls at least one inverter, the inverters reporting status information in real-time back to the local controllers, and the local controller reporting status information in real-time back to the power plant controller.

Abstract: A method for use in calculating a possible power output of a wind turbine. A series of performance data samples is acquired. Each performance data sample includes a meteorological condition and a power output indicated at a first time by one or more sensors associated with a wind turbine. A transfer function is calculated based at least in part on the series of performance data samples. The transfer function relates power output to the meteorological condition. A possible power output is calculated based on the transfer function and at least one meteorological condition indicated by the one or more sensors at a second time.

Abstract: A method for use in operating a plurality of wind turbines is provided. An aggregate noise level at one or more geographic positions is calculated. The aggregate noise level is compared to a target noise level associated with the geographic position. When the aggregate noise level differs substantially from the target noise level, an operational adjustment is transmitted to at least one wind turbine controller. When the aggregate noise level is greater than the target noise level, such an operational adjustment may lead to a decrease in the aggregate noise level. Conversely, when the aggregate noise level is less than the target noise level, such an operational adjustment may lead to an increase in the aggregate noise level, facilitating an increase in the overall power output of the wind turbines.

Abstract: A method for use in calculating a possible power output of a wind turbine. A series of performance data samples is acquired. Each performance data sample includes a meteorological condition and a power output indicated at a first time by one or more sensors associated with a wind turbine. A transfer function is calculated based at least in part on the series of performance data samples. The transfer function relates power output to the meteorological condition.

Abstract: A wind turbine power generating system includes at least one wind-driven rotor for transforming wind energy into rotational motion. A plurality of turbine generators is connected to one or more wind-driven rotors. An active power curtailment controller is also provided. The active power curtailment controller is configured to curtail an actual power output of the plurality of turbine generators at a predetermined maximum output power level, the predetermined output maximum output power level being less than an aggregate nominal power rating of the plurality of turbine generators.

Abstract: A Monitoring and Diagnostics System is provided, which includes a monitoring unit and a monitored unit remotely located from the monitoring unit. The System also includes communication means between the monitoring unit and the monitored unit. The monitored unit includes data acquisition means for providing fault data of the monitored unit and the communication means are adapted to communicate the fault data from the monitored unit to the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit includes a rules engine having a set of expert rules for analyzing the information contained in the fault data and being adapted to deduce diagnostics information from the rules and from the information. In addition, a communication method for communicating between a first Programmable Logic Controller and a second Programmable Logic Controller or a central unit is provided, in which a description file is provided.