A Wind Power Combination Forecasting Method Based on GASF Image Representation and UniFormer

Abstract

In the field of wind power prediction, traditional methods typically rely on one-dimensional time-series data for feature extraction and prediction. In this study, we propose an innovative short-term wind power forecasting approach using a “visual” 2D image prediction method that effectively utilizes spatial pattern information in time-series data by combining wind power series and related environmental features into a 2D GASF image. Firstly, the wind power data are decomposed using the ICEEMDAN algorithm optimized by the BWO (Beluga Whale Optimization) algorithm, extracting the submodal IMF (Intrinsic Mode Function) components with different frequencies. Then, modal reconstruction is performed on the basis of the permutation entropy value of the IMF components, selecting meteorological features highly correlated with reconstructed components through Spearman correlation analysis for data splicing and superposition before converting them into GASF images. Finally, the GASF images are input into the UniFormer model for wind power sequence prediction. By leveraging wind power data predictions from a coastal wind farm in East China and Sotavento in Spain, this study demonstrates the significant benefits and potential applications of this methodology for precise wind power forecasting. This research combines the advantages of image feature extraction and time-series prediction to offer novel perspectives and tools for predicting renewable energy sources such as wind power.