Estimating wind farm capacity factors of global power utility assets: Assisting asset managers in valuing earnings power of listed utility operators.

Details

Supervisors

Saerens, Marco

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This thesis deals with the development of a proof-of-concept for an algorithm capable of estimating wind turbine load factors, which was created during a 3-month internship at a major Dutch asset manager. The thesis will detail the theoretical backdrop of the project through an introductory description of the asset management industry as well as a deep dive into the characteristics of infrastructure assets and forces driving their relevance. Moreover, the feasibility of developing the algorithm detailed in this work will be assessed through an overview of mathematical and physical models underpinning the production of electrical power using wind turbines. Eventually, a gradual move towards the development and practical application of an algorithm capable of estimating capacity factors for a wide array of wind asset portfolios is enacted. Finally, results will be detailed and conclusions will be drawn as to the algorithm’s performance in estimating wind farm portfolio capacity factors.