System and method for optimizing auxiliary loads based on operational usage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for optimizing auxiliary loads based on operational usage. A method for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind farm having a plurality of wind turbines includes tracking, via a field-level controller of the wind farm, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of the wind turbines in the wind farm, because the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components causes a load on the auxiliary component(s). The method also includes determining, via the field-level controller, a power consumption of the load caused on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage. In addition, the method includes receiving, via the field-level controller, at least one additional parameter of the wind farm. In addition, the method includes implementing, via the field-level controller, a control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wind turbines and, more particularly, to a system and method for optimizing auxiliary loads based on operational usage. Background Art

[0002] Wind power is considered one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly energy sources currently available, and in this regard, wind turbines have garnered increasing attention. A modern wind turbine typically comprises a tower, a generator, a gearbox, a nacelle, and one or more rotor blades. The rotor blades are the primary components for converting wind energy into electrical energy. The blades typically have an airfoil-shaped cross-sectional profile so that during operation, air flowing over the blades creates a pressure differential between the sides of the blades. Consequently, a lift force, directed from the pressure side toward the suction side, acts on the blades. This lift force generates torque on the main rotor shaft, which is connected to a generator for generating electricity.

[0003] Typically, a wind turbine is designed to operate at a rated power output during a predetermined or expected operating life. For example, a typical wind turbine is designed for a 20-year life. However, in many cases, this expected overall operating life is limited or based on the expected fatigue life of one or more of the wind turbine components. As used herein, the life consumption or operational usage of a wind turbine (which may include fatigue or extreme loads, wear and / or other life parameters) generally refers to the life of the wind turbine or its components that has been consumed or exhausted by previous operations. In addition, auxiliary loads also play an important role in wind turbines because most functions and component operations are powered by auxiliary interfaces. For example, the total rated power of the auxiliary loads generally represents about 3% or more of the rated power of the wind turbine.

[0004] Therefore, improved systems and methods for tracking real-time operation of different categories of loads may be beneficial for optimizing auxiliary loads.Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for optimizing auxiliary loads based on tracked operational usage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines. The method includes tracking, via a field-level controller of the wind farm, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of the wind turbines in the wind farm, because the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components causes a load on the auxiliary component(s). The method also includes determining, via the field-level controller, a power consumption of the load caused on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage. Furthermore, the method includes receiving, via the field-level controller, at least one additional parameter of the wind farm. Furthermore, the method includes implementing, via the field-level controller, a control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter.

[0007] In an embodiment, the method may further include real-time online tracking of operational usage of the auxiliary component(s).

[0008] In another embodiment, determining the power consumption of the load induced on the auxiliary component(s) based on operational usage may include tracking raise and lower control commands sent by a field level controller to the auxiliary component(s) and the nameplate power ratings from the auxiliary component(s).

[0009] In further embodiments, the additional parameter(s) may include site location, spot price of wind energy, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, or similar parameters or combinations thereof.

[0010] In additional embodiments, the method may include tracking the spot price of wind energy and reducing the load on one or more of the auxiliary component(s) and / or scheduling maintenance action when the spot price is above a predetermined threshold.

[0011] In some embodiments, the auxiliary component(s) may include a top box auxiliary load, a converter auxiliary load, and / or a lower tower auxiliary load. More specifically, in such embodiments, the top box auxiliary load may include, for example, a yaw system, a pitch system, one or more pumps, a heating system, or a cooling system.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, implementing the control command for one or more of the auxiliary component(s) based on the power consumption and the additional parameter(s) may include shutting down one or more of the auxiliary component(s) for any wind turbine in the plurality of wind turbines that is not generating power. In another embodiment, for example, shutting down one or more of the auxiliary component(s) for any wind turbine in the plurality of wind turbines that is not generating power may include shutting down at least a top tank auxiliary load for any wind turbine in the plurality of wind turbines that is not generating power.

[0013] In further embodiments, implementing control commands for one or more of the auxiliary component(s) based on the power consumption and the additional parameter(s) may include reducing a load induced on the auxiliary component(s) when at least one of the plurality of wind turbines operates at rated power.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, if the load deviation induced on the auxiliary component(s) reaches a certain threshold, the method may include: determining at least one operating condition at the deviated load; trending the operating condition(s) over time; and storing the trended operating condition(s) in a memory device for use in future design of the wind farm.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind turbine. The system includes a controller configured to implement multiple operations, including but not limited to: tracking operational usage of one or more auxiliary components of the wind turbine, setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage of the auxiliary component(s); determining the power consumption of the loads induced on the auxiliary component(s) based on the operational usage; receiving at least one additional parameter of the wind turbine; and implementing control commands for one or more of the auxiliary component(s) based on the power consumption and the additional parameter(s). It should be understood that the system can be further configured with any of the features described herein.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for optimizing the power output of a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines. The method includes tracking, via a field-level controller of the wind farm, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of the plurality of wind turbines in the wind farm, because the operational usage for the (multiple) auxiliary components causes a load on the (multiple) auxiliary components. The method also includes determining, via the field-level controller, the power consumption of the load caused on the (multiple) auxiliary components based on the operational usage. In addition, the method includes implementing, via the field-level controller, control commands for one or more of the (multiple) auxiliary components based on the power consumption. It should be understood that the method may further include any of the features and / or steps described herein.

[0017] Technical Solution 1. A method for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines, the method comprising:

[0018] tracking, via a farm-level controller of the wind farm, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of the plurality of wind turbines in the wind farm, setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components;

[0019] determining, via the field level controller, a power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage;

[0020] receiving at least one additional parameter of the wind farm via the farm-level controller; and,

[0021] Control commands for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components are implemented via the field level controller based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter.

[0022] Technical Solution 2. The method according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the method further includes real-time online tracking of the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components.

[0023] Technical Solution 3. The method according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that determining the power consumption of the load caused on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage further comprises:

[0024] Raise and lower control commands sent by the field level controller to the one or more auxiliary components and the power ratings from the nameplates of the one or more auxiliary components are tracked.

[0025] Technical Solution 4. The method according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the at least one additional parameter includes at least one of site location, spot price of wind energy, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed or wind direction.

[0026] Technical Solution 5. The method according to Technical Solution 4 is characterized in that the method further includes tracking the spot price of the wind energy and reducing the load of one or more of the one or more auxiliary components or arranging maintenance actions when the spot price is higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0027] Technical Solution 6. The method according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the one or more auxiliary components include at least one of a top box auxiliary load, a converter auxiliary load or a lower tower auxiliary load, and the top box auxiliary load includes at least one of a yaw system, a pitch system, one or more pumps, a heating system or a cooling system.

[0028] Technical Solution 7. The method according to Technical Solution 6, wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises:

[0029] One or more of the one or more auxiliary components are shut down for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines that is not generating power.

[0030] Technical Solution 8. The method according to Technical Solution 7 is characterized in that shutting down one or more of the one or more auxiliary components for any wind turbine that does not generate power among the multiple wind turbines further includes: shutting down at least the top tank auxiliary load for any wind turbine that does not generate power among the multiple wind turbines.

[0031] Technical Solution 9. The method according to Technical Solution 6, wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises:

[0032] The load induced on the one or more auxiliary components is reduced when at least one of the plurality of wind turbines operates at rated power.

[0033] Technical Solution 10. The method according to Technical Solution 1, characterized in that the method further comprises:

[0034] If the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components deviates by a certain threshold, determining at least one operating condition at the deviated load;

[0035] trending the at least one operating condition over time; and,

[0036] The trended at least one operating condition is stored in a memory device for use in future design of the wind farm.

[0037] Technical Solution 11. A system for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind turbine, the system comprising:

[0038] A controller configured to perform a plurality of operations comprising:

[0039] tracking operational usage of one or more auxiliary components of the wind turbine, setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components;

[0040] determining a power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage;

[0041] receiving at least one additional parameter of the wind turbine; and,

[0042] Control commands for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components are implemented based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter.

[0043] Technical Solution 12. The system according to Technical Solution 11 is characterized in that the multiple operations further include real-time online tracking of the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components.

[0044] Technical Solution 13. The system according to Technical Solution 11, wherein determining the power consumption of the load caused on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage further comprises:

[0045] Raise and lower control commands sent by a field level controller to the one or more auxiliary components and the power ratings from the nameplates of the one or more auxiliary components are tracked.

[0046] Technical Solution 14. The system according to Technical Solution 11 is characterized in that the at least one additional parameter includes at least one of site location, spot price of wind energy, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed or wind direction.

[0047] Technical Solution 15. The system according to Technical Solution 14 is characterized in that the multiple operations further include tracking the spot price of the wind energy and reducing the load of one or more of the one or more auxiliary components or arranging maintenance actions when the spot price is higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0048] Technical Solution 16. The system according to Technical Solution 11 is characterized in that the one or more auxiliary components include at least one of a top box auxiliary load, a converter auxiliary load or a lower tower auxiliary load, and the top box auxiliary load includes at least one of a yaw system, a pitch system, one or more pumps, a heating system or a cooling system.

[0049] Technical Solution 17. The system according to Technical Solution 16, wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises:

[0050] One or more of the one or more auxiliary components are shut down for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines that is not generating power.

[0051] Technical Solution 18. The system according to Technical Solution 17 is characterized in that shutting down one or more of the one or more auxiliary components for any wind turbine among the multiple wind turbines that does not generate power further includes: shutting down at least the top tank auxiliary load for any wind turbine among the multiple wind turbines that does not generate power.

[0052] Technical Solution 19. The system according to Technical Solution 16, wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises:

[0053] The load induced on the one or more auxiliary components is reduced when at least one of the plurality of wind turbines operates at rated power.

[0054] Technical Solution 20. A method for optimizing power output of a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines, the method comprising:

[0055] tracking, via a farm-level controller of the wind farm, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of the plurality of wind turbines in the wind farm, setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components;

[0056] determining, via the field level controller, a power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage; and,

[0057] Control commands for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components are implemented based on the power consumption via the field level controller.

[0058] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] A complete and enabling disclosure of the invention, including the best mode thereof, to one skilled in the art is set forth in the specification which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0060] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a wind turbine according to the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 2 illustrates a simplified interior view of one embodiment of a nacelle of a wind turbine according to the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 3 Graphics may be included in Figure 1 A schematic illustration of one embodiment of suitable components within a turbine controller of a wind turbine is shown in FIG;

[0063] Figure 4 illustrates a wind farm having a plurality of wind turbines according to the present disclosure; and

[0064] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind farm including a plurality of wind turbines according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the present invention, not limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention encompasses such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0066] In general, the present disclosure relates to a flexible method for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind turbine and / or wind farm. Most functions and operations of wind turbine components are powered through auxiliary interfaces. Therefore, auxiliary loads may account for approximately 3% of the total rated power of a wind turbine. By implementing a tracking system to determine the real-time operation of different loads, it is possible to optimize auxiliary loads at the farm level. As such, in an embodiment, a control implementation may perform online estimation of the time operation of various loads by tracking the amount of time that has elapsed after an up or down control command. This may play an important role in optimizing the performance of different sites by reducing losses and increasing power output. Additionally, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may influence how auxiliary loads are designed to meet requirements, particularly over the life of the wind turbine.

[0067] Furthermore, the systems and methods of the present disclosure generate real-time diagnostics of the power consumption of auxiliary loads. This diagnostic adds flexibility to the system and helps track all power consumption from loads over their lifetime. If one of the loads changes, the diagnostic features can help determine the operating condition of that load at any time. This information can be incorporated back into the design phase for the auxiliary loads to validate assumptions and help refine new designs. Furthermore, the collected data can be used to perform trade-off analyses that help the system understand the impact of the auxiliary loads on the performance of the wind turbine and the overall wind farm.

[0068] Furthermore, the systems and methods of the present disclosure enable real-time optimization. For example, in embodiments, the present disclosure may use a computer-implemented model to compare spot prices and weather forecasts. By combining spot prices and weather forecasts, it is possible to optimize auxiliary loads in real time based on weather and market conditions. Both features can also be implemented in a computer application to provide a user-friendly platform.

[0069] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of a wind turbine 10 configured to implement control techniques according to the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the wind turbine 10 generally includes a tower 12 extending from a support surface 14, a nacelle 16 mounted on the tower 12, and a rotor 18 coupled to the nacelle 16. The rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to the hub 20 and extending outwardly from the hub 20. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 18 includes three rotor blades 22. However, in alternative embodiments, the rotor 18 may include more or less than three rotor blades 22. The individual rotor blades 22 may be spaced about the hub 20 to facilitate rotating the rotor 18 so that kinetic energy can be converted from the wind into usable mechanical energy and subsequently into electrical energy. For example, the hub 20 may be rotatably coupled to a generator ( Figure 2 ), to allow the generation of electrical energy.

[0070] Wind turbine 10 may also include a wind turbine controller 26 centralized within nacelle 16. However, in other embodiments, controller 26 may be located within any other component of wind turbine 10 or at a location external to the wind turbine. Furthermore, controller 26 may be communicatively coupled to any number of components of wind turbine 10 in order to control the operation of such components and / or implement corrective actions. As such, controller 26 may include a computer or other suitable processing unit. Thus, in several embodiments, controller 26 may include suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented, configure controller 26 to perform a variety of functions (such as receiving, transmitting, and / or executing wind turbine control signals).

[0071] Thus, controller 26 may generally be configured to control various operating modes of wind turbine 10 (e.g., startup or shutdown sequences), derate wind turbine 10, and / or control various components of wind turbine 10. For example, controller 26 may be configured to control the blade pitch or pitch angle (i.e., the angle that determines the viewing angle of rotor blade 22 relative to the wind direction) of each of rotor blades 22 to control the power output generated by wind turbine 10 by adjusting the angular position of at least one rotor blade 22 relative to the wind. For example, controller 26 may control the pitch angle of rotor blades 22 by individually or simultaneously rotating rotor blades 22 about pitch axis 28 by transmitting appropriate control signals to a pitch drive or pitch adjustment mechanism (not shown) of wind turbine 10.

[0072] Now refer to Figure 2 , diagram Figure 1, a simplified internal view of one embodiment of a nacelle 16 of a wind turbine 10 is shown in FIG. As shown, a generator 24 may be coupled to the rotor 18 for generating electrical power from the rotational energy generated by the rotor 18. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 18 may include a rotor shaft 34 coupled to the hub 20 for rotation therewith. The rotor shaft 34 may, in turn, be rotatably coupled to a generator shaft 36 of the generator 24 via a gearbox 38. As generally understood, the rotor shaft 34 may provide a low-speed, high-torque input to the gearbox 38 in response to rotation of the rotor blades 22 and the hub 20. The gearbox 38 may then be configured to convert the low-speed, high-torque input into a high-speed, low-torque output to drive the generator shaft 36, and thereby the generator 24.

[0073] Each rotor blade 22 may also include a pitch adjustment mechanism 32 configured to rotate each rotor blade 22 about its pitch axis 28. Furthermore, each pitch adjustment mechanism 32 may include a pitch drive motor 40 (e.g., any suitable electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor), a pitch drive gearbox 42, and a pitch drive pinion 44. In such an embodiment, the pitch drive motor 40 may be coupled to the pitch drive gearbox 42 such that the pitch drive motor 40 imparts mechanical force to the pitch drive gearbox 42. Similarly, the pitch drive gearbox 42 may be coupled to the pitch drive pinion 44 for rotation therewith. The pitch drive pinion 44 may, in turn, be in rotational engagement with a pitch bearing 46 coupled between the hub 20 and the corresponding rotor blade 22 such that rotation of the pitch drive pinion 44 causes rotation of the pitch bearing 46. Thus, in such an embodiment, rotation of pitch drive motor 40 drives pitch drive gearbox 42 and pitch drive pinion 44, thereby rotating pitch bearing 46 and rotor blades 22 about pitch axis 28. Similarly, wind turbine 10 may include one or more yaw drive mechanisms 66 communicatively coupled to controller 26, wherein each yaw drive mechanism(s) 66 is configured to change the angle of nacelle 16 relative to the wind (e.g., by engaging a yaw bearing 68 of wind turbine 10).

[0074] Now refer to Figure 3 , which illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of suitable components that may be included within a controller according to aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that Figure 3 The various components of the controller may be applicable to any suitable controller, including, for example, the controller 300 (described in more detail below), the turbine controller 26, and / or the field-level controller 56 described herein.

[0075] As shown, the controller may include one or more processors 58 and associated memory devices 60 configured to perform various computer-implemented functions (e.g., to perform the methods, steps, calculations, etc. disclosed herein). As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to integrated circuits (referred to in the art as being included in a computer), but also to controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application-specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s) 60 may generally include memory elements including, but not limited to, computer-readable media (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer-readable non-volatile media (e.g., flash memory), floppy disks, compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), magneto-optical disks (MODs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), and / or other suitable memory elements.

[0076] In addition, the controller may also include a communication module 62 to facilitate communication between the controller and various components of the wind turbine 10. For example, the communication module 62 may include a sensor interface 64 (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to allow signals transmitted by one or more sensors 65, 66, 67 to be converted into signals that can be understood and processed by the controller. It should be appreciated that the sensors 65, 66, 67 may be communicatively coupled to the communication module 62 using any suitable means. For example, Figure 3 , the sensors 65, 66, 67 are coupled to the sensor interface 64 via a wired connection. However, in other embodiments, the sensors 65, 66, 67 may be coupled to the sensor interface 64 via a wireless connection (such as by using any suitable wireless communication protocol known in the art). As such, the processor 58 may be configured to receive one or more signals from the sensors 65, 66, 67.

[0077] Sensors 65, 66, 67 of wind turbine 10 may be any suitable sensors configured to measure any operating condition and / or wind parameter at or near the wind turbine. For example, sensors 65, 66, 67 may include: a blade sensor for measuring the pitch angle of one of rotor blades 22 or for measuring the load acting on one of rotor blades 22; a generator sensor for monitoring the generator (e.g., torque, rotational speed, acceleration, and / or power output); and / or various wind sensors for measuring various wind parameters. Furthermore, sensors 65, 66, 67 may be located near the ground of the wind turbine, on a nacelle, or on a meteorological mast of the wind turbine.

[0078] It should also be understood that any other number or type of sensors may be employed and at any location. For example, the sensors may be analog sensors, digital sensors, optical / visual sensors, accelerometers, pressure sensors, angle of attack sensors, vibration sensors, MIMU sensors, fiber optic systems, temperature sensors, wind sensors, sound wave detection and ranging (SODAR) sensors, infrared lasers, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, radiometers, pitot tubes, radiosonde wind meters, and / or any other suitable sensors. It should be appreciated that, as used herein, the term "monitor" and variations thereof indicate that the various sensors of a wind turbine may be configured to provide direct measurements of monitored parameters or indirect measurements of such parameters. Thus, sensors 65, 66, 67 may, for example, be used to generate signals related to the monitored parameters, which signals may then be utilized by the controller to determine the actual condition.

[0079] Now refer to Figure 4 , the systems and methods described herein may also be combined with a wind farm controller 56 of a wind farm 50. As shown, the wind farm 50 may include a plurality of wind turbines 52, including the wind turbine 10 described above. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the wind farm 50 includes twelve wind turbines, including the wind turbine 10. However, in other embodiments, the wind farm 50 may include any other number of wind turbines, such as fewer than twelve wind turbines or more than twelve wind turbines. In one embodiment, the controller 26 of the wind turbine 10 may be communicatively coupled to the farm controller 56 via a wired connection, such as via connection of the controller 26 via a suitable communication link 57 (e.g., a suitable cable). Alternatively, the controller 26 may be communicatively coupled to the farm controller 56 via a wireless connection, such as by using any suitable wireless communication protocol known in the art.

[0080] In several embodiments, one or more of the wind turbines 52 in wind farm 50 may include multiple sensors for monitoring various operating parameters / conditions of wind turbine 52. For example, as shown, one of wind turbines 52 includes a wind sensor 54 (such as an anemometer or any other suitable device) configured to measure wind speed. As generally understood, wind speed may vary significantly across wind farm 50. Therefore, wind sensor(s) 54 may allow for monitoring the local wind speed at each wind turbine 52. Additionally, wind turbines 52 may also include additional sensors 55. For example, sensors 55 may be configured to monitor electrical properties of the output of the generator of each wind turbine 52, such as current sensors, voltage sensors, temperature sensors, or power monitors that monitor power output directly based on current and voltage measurements. Alternatively, sensors 55 may include any other sensors useful for monitoring the power output of wind turbine 52. It should also be understood that wind turbines 52 in wind farm 50 may include any other suitable sensors known in the art for measuring and / or monitoring wind conditions and / or wind turbine conditions.

[0081] In addition, each of the wind turbines 52 in the wind farm 50 may include various auxiliary components / equipment (such as pumps, blowers, motors, cooling systems, heating systems, etc.) that generate auxiliary loads and thus consume power. Such auxiliary components are typically divided between multiple compartments of the wind turbine 52. For example, Figure 4 As shown in FIG, auxiliary components may be housed in a top box compartment 70, a converter compartment 72, a lower tower compartment 74, or any other suitable compartment at any suitable location.

[0082] The total amount of power represented by such auxiliary loads can be as much as approximately 3% or more of the rated power for an individual wind turbine 52. Furthermore, many of these loads are directly derived from the top tank compartment 70, which can represent approximately 80% of the total auxiliary power for the wind turbine 52 (or approximately 2% of the total turbine rated power). The top tank compartment 70 typically contains critical loads such as the yaw and pitch systems, as well as other loads such as heaters and pump systems. Thus, the critical loads of the top tank compartment 70 represent approximately 60-65% of all auxiliary loads (or approximately 1.5% of the total turbine rated power).

[0083] Therefore, now refer to Figure 5 , illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of a method 100 for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind farm, such as wind farm 50, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Method 100 is described herein as being implemented using, for example, wind turbine 52 of wind farm 50 described above. However, it should be appreciated that the disclosed method 100 may be implemented using any other suitable wind turbine or wind farm now known or later developed in the art. Additionally, although Figure 5For the purpose of illustration and discussion, the steps are depicted as being performed in a particular order, but the methods described herein are not limited to any order or arrangement. Using the disclosure provided herein, one skilled in the art will recognize that various steps of the methods can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adjusted in various ways.

[0084] As shown at (102), the method 100 includes tracking operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of the wind turbines 52 in the wind farm 50, for example, via the farm-level controller 56, because the operational usage of the auxiliary components causes loads on the auxiliary component(s). For example, in an embodiment, the method 100 may include real-time online tracking of operational usage for the auxiliary component(s). More specifically, the processor 58 may be configured to determine operational usage for the auxiliary components of the wind turbine 10. As used herein, "operational usage" generally refers to the time (e.g., as measured in a number of operating seconds, minutes, hours, or the like) that the auxiliary component has been operated at various operating parameters and / or under certain conditions. Such operating parameters that may be considered or tracked may include, for example, one or more of the following: torque, load, speed, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, air density, turbulence intensity, yaw amount, or pitch amount. Therefore, the processor 58 may also be configured to record and store the operational usage in the memory device 60 for later use. For example, the processor 58 may store the operational usage in one or more lookup tables (LUTs). Additionally, operational usage can be stored in the cloud.

[0085] Thus, as shown at (104), the method 100 also includes determining the power consumption of the loads induced on the auxiliary component(s) based on the operational usage, for example, via the field level controller 56. For example, in an embodiment, the processor(s) 58 may determine the power consumption of the loads induced on the auxiliary component(s) by tracking the raise and lower control commands sent by the field level controller 56 to the auxiliary component(s) and the power ratings from the nameplates of the auxiliary component(s).

[0086] As shown at (106), the method 100 further includes receiving at least one additional parameter of the wind farm 50, for example, via the farm-level controller 56. For example, in an embodiment, the additional parameter(s) may include site location, spot price of wind energy, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, or the like, or a combination thereof. Thus, in an embodiment, the method 100 may include tracking the spot price of wind energy and reducing the load of one or more of the auxiliary component(s) and / or scheduling maintenance actions when the spot price is above a predetermined threshold.

[0087] Thus, as shown at (108), the method 100 also includes implementing control commands for one or more of the auxiliary component(s) based on power consumption and / or additional parameter(s), for example, via the field level controller 56. For example, in a particular embodiment, the processor(s) 38 may shut down one or more of the auxiliary component(s) for any of the plurality of wind turbines 52 that are not producing power. In another embodiment, for example, shutting down one or more of the auxiliary component(s) for any of the plurality of wind turbines 52 that are not producing power may include shutting down at least a top tank auxiliary load, such as a yaw and / or pitch system, for any of the plurality of wind turbines 52 that are not producing power. By considering only the yaw and pitch systems, there is an opportunity to reduce the overall auxiliary consumption by approximately 45%, which is equivalent to increasing the power production of the wind turbine 10 by approximately 1%.

[0088] While wind turbine(s) 52 are generating power, there are still some circumstances in which wind turbine(s) 52 may reduce auxiliary loads. For example, in certain embodiments, processor(s) 58 may be configured to reduce the loads induced on auxiliary component(s) when at least one of the wind turbine(s) is operating at rated power. More specifically, for example, when wind turbine(s) 52 are operating at rated power, the yaw and / or pitch systems may be significantly reduced (rather than shut down). For example, by avoiding yaw at rated power, the power generated by wind turbine(s) 52 may be increased at all wind speeds. When wind turbine(s) 52 are not operating at rated power, optimization may be based on temperature and / or other specific conditions for each auxiliary load.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, if the load deviation induced on the auxiliary component(s) reaches a certain threshold, the method 100 may further include: determining at least one operating condition at the deviated load; trending the operating condition(s) over time; and storing the trended operating condition(s) in the memory device(s) 60 for use in future design of the wind farm 50.

[0090] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are defined by the following numbered clauses:

[0091] Clause 1. A method for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines, the method comprising:

[0092] tracking, via a wind farm level controller, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of a plurality of wind turbines in the wind farm, and setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components;

[0093] determining, via a field level controller, a power consumption of a load induced on one or more auxiliary components based on operational usage;

[0094] receiving at least one additional parameter of the wind farm via the farm-level controller; and,

[0095] Control commands for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components are implemented via the field level controller based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter.

[0096] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, further comprising real-time online tracking of operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components.

[0097] Clause 3. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein determining the power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage further comprises:

[0098] Raise and lower control commands sent by a field level controller to one or more auxiliary components and the power ratings from the nameplates of the one or more auxiliary components are tracked.

[0099] Clause 4. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one additional parameter comprises at least one of site location, spot price of wind energy, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, or wind direction.

[0100] Clause 5. The method of clause 4, further comprising tracking a spot price of wind energy and reducing the load of one or more of the one or more auxiliary components or scheduling a maintenance action when the spot price is above a predetermined threshold.

[0101] Clause 6. The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more auxiliary components include at least one of a top box auxiliary load, a converter auxiliary load, or a lower tower auxiliary load, the top box auxiliary load including at least one of a yaw system, a pitch system, one or more pumps, a heating system, or a cooling system.

[0102] Clause 7. The method of clause 6, wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises:

[0103] One or more of the one or more auxiliary components for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines not generating power are shut down.

[0104] Clause 8. The method of clause 7, wherein shutting down one or more of the one or more auxiliary components for any wind turbine in the plurality of wind turbines not generating power further comprises shutting down at least a top tank auxiliary load for any wind turbine in the plurality of wind turbines not generating power.

[0105] Clause 9. The method of clause 6, wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises:

[0106] When at least one of the plurality of wind turbines operates at rated power, loads induced on the one or more auxiliary components are reduced.

[0107] Clause 10. A method according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising:

[0108] If the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components deviates by a certain threshold, determining at least one operating condition at the deviated load;

[0109] Trending at least one operating condition over time; and,

[0110] The trended at least one operating condition is stored in a memory device for use in future design of the wind farm.

[0111] Clause 11. A system for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind turbine, the system comprising:

[0112] A controller configured to perform a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations comprising:

[0113] tracking operational usage of one or more auxiliary components of the wind turbine, and setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components;

[0114] determining a power consumption of a load induced on one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage;

[0115] receiving at least one additional parameter of the wind turbine; and,

[0116] Control commands for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components are implemented based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter.

[0117] Clause 12. The system of clause 11, wherein the plurality of operations further comprises real-time online tracking of operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components.

[0118] Clause 13. The system of clauses 11-12, wherein determining the power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage further comprises:

[0119] Raise and lower control commands sent by a field level controller to one or more auxiliary components and the power ratings from the nameplates of the one or more auxiliary components are tracked.

[0120] Clause 14. The system of clauses 11-13, wherein the at least one additional parameter comprises at least one of site location, spot price of wind energy, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, or wind direction.

[0121] Clause 15. The system of clause 14, wherein the plurality of operations further comprises tracking a spot price of wind energy and reducing the load of one or more of the one or more auxiliary components or scheduling a maintenance action when the spot price is above a predetermined threshold.

[0122] Clause 16. The system of clauses 11-15, wherein the one or more auxiliary components include at least one of a top box auxiliary load, a converter auxiliary load, or a lower tower auxiliary load, the top box auxiliary load including at least one of a yaw system, a pitch system, one or more pumps, a heating system, or a cooling system.

[0123] Clause 17. The system of clause 16, wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises:

[0124] One or more of the one or more auxiliary components for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines not generating power are shut down.

[0125] Clause 18. The system of clause 17, wherein shutting down one or more of the one or more auxiliary components for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines not generating power further comprises shutting down at least a top tank auxiliary load for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines not generating power.

[0126] Clause 19. The system of clause 16, wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises:

[0127] When at least one of the plurality of wind turbines operates at rated power, loads induced on the one or more auxiliary components are reduced.

[0128] Clause 20. A method for optimizing power output of a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines, the method comprising:

[0129] tracking, via a wind farm level controller, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of a plurality of wind turbines in the wind farm, and setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components;

[0130] determining, via a field level controller, a power consumption of a load induced on one or more auxiliary components based on operational usage; and,

[0131] Control commands for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components are implemented based on power consumption via the field level controller.

[0132] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines, the method comprising: tracking, via a farm-level controller of the wind farm, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of the plurality of wind turbines in the wind farm, setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components; determining, via the field level controller, a power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage; receiving, via the farm-level controller, at least one additional parameter of the wind farm; as well as, implementing, via the field level controller, a control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter, Wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises: The load induced on the one or more auxiliary components is reduced when at least one of the plurality of wind turbines operates at rated power.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes tracking the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components online in real time.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Determining the power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage further comprises: Raise and lower control commands sent by the field level controller to the one or more auxiliary components and the power ratings from the nameplates of the one or more auxiliary components are tracked.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The at least one additional parameter includes at least one of site location, spot price of wind energy, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, or wind direction.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further includes tracking the spot price of the wind energy and reducing the load on one or more of the one or more auxiliary components or scheduling a maintenance action when the spot price is above a predetermined threshold.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The one or more auxiliary components include at least one of a top box auxiliary load, a converter auxiliary load, or a lower tower auxiliary load, and the top box auxiliary load includes at least one of a yaw system, a pitch system, one or more pumps, a heating system, or a cooling system.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises: One or more of the one or more auxiliary components are shut down for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines that is not generating power.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Shutting down one or more of the one or more auxiliary components for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines not generating power further includes shutting down at least the top tank auxiliary load for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines not generating power.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components deviates by a certain threshold, determining at least one operating condition at the deviated load; trending the at least one operating condition over time; and, The trended at least one operating condition is stored in a memory device for use in future design of the wind farm.

10. A system for optimizing auxiliary loads of a wind turbine, the system comprising: A controller configured to perform a plurality of operations comprising: tracking operational usage of one or more auxiliary components of the wind turbine, setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components; determining a power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage; receiving at least one additional parameter of the wind turbine; and, implementing a control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter, Implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises: The load induced on the one or more auxiliary components is reduced when at least one of the plurality of wind turbines operates at rated power.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of operations further includes real-time online tracking of the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein: Determining the power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage further comprises: Raise and lower control commands sent by a field level controller to the one or more auxiliary components and the power ratings from the nameplates of the one or more auxiliary components are tracked.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one additional parameter includes at least one of site location, spot price of wind energy, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, or wind direction.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of operations further include tracking the spot price of the wind energy and reducing the load on one or more of the one or more auxiliary components or scheduling maintenance action when the spot price is above a predetermined threshold.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more auxiliary components include at least one of a top box auxiliary load, a converter auxiliary load, or a lower tower auxiliary load, and the top box auxiliary load includes at least one of a yaw system, a pitch system, one or more pumps, a heating system, or a cooling system.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein: Implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption and the at least one additional parameter further comprises: One or more of the one or more auxiliary components are shut down for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines that is not generating power.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein: Shutting down one or more of the one or more auxiliary components for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines not generating power further includes shutting down at least the top tank auxiliary load for any wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines not generating power.

18. A method for optimizing the power output of a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines, the method comprising: tracking, via a farm-level controller of the wind farm, operational usage of one or more auxiliary components for at least one of the plurality of wind turbines in the wind farm, setting loads on the one or more auxiliary components in response to the operational usage of the one or more auxiliary components; determining, via the field level controller, a power consumption of the load induced on the one or more auxiliary components based on the operational usage; as well as, implementing, via the field level controller, control commands for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption, Wherein implementing the control command for one or more of the one or more auxiliary components based on the power consumption further comprises: The load induced on the one or more auxiliary components is reduced when at least one of the plurality of wind turbines operates at rated power.

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