Wind Power Forecasting in a Semi-Arid Region Based on Machine Learning Error Correction

Abstract

Wind power forecasting is pivotal in promoting a stable and sustainable grid operation by estimating future power outputs from past meteorological and turbine data. The inherent unpredictability in wind patterns poses substantial challenges in synchronizing supply with demand, with inaccuracies potentially destabilizing the grid and potentially causing energy shortages or excesses. This study develops a data-driven approach to forecast wind power from 30 min to 12 h ahead using historical wind power data collected by the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system from one wind turbine, the Enercon/E92 2350 kW model, installed at Casa Nova, Bahia, Brazil. Those data were measured from January 2020 to April 2021. Time orientation was embedded using sine/cosine or cyclic encoding, deriving 16 normalized features that encapsulate crucial daily and seasonal trends. The research explores two distinct strategies: error prediction and error correction, both employing a sequential model where initial forecasts via k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) are rectified by the Extra Trees Regressor. Their primary divergence is the second model’s target variable. Evaluations revealed both strategies outperforming the standalone KNN, with error correction excelling in short-term predictions and error prediction showing potential for extended forecasts. This exploration underscores the imperative importance of methodology selection in wind power forecasting.