Operating a wind turbine in adverse weather conditions

Abstract

The invention relates to the operation of a wind turbine in adverse weather conditions. A method of operating a wind turbine (1) comprising a nacelle (3) coupled to a tower (2) via a yaw system (4) is described, the method for providing protection against high wind loads, the method comprising: providing a control signal (10) to a yaw actuator of the yaw system (4) when the nacelle (3) is in a first orientation; applying a torque (11) by the yaw actuator (4) to the nacelle (3) relative to the tower (2) thereby causing the nacelle (3) to turn to a second orientation, the second orientation being a downwind orientation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for maneuvering a wind turbine relative to high wind loads, particularly during severe or adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, this invention relates to a wind turbine configured to perform this method. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines may be exposed to high wind conditions and may require preparations to handle such situations. In particular, wind turbines exposed to very extreme wind conditions (such as hurricanes, typhoons, or tropical cyclones) may need to be able to withstand the severe wind speeds and changes in wind direction that may occur during these weather conditions.

[0003] EP 1429025 B1 discloses a windmill designed for upwind operation and its operating method.

[0004] EP 1339985 B1 discloses orientation control of wind turbines during storms.

[0005] Traditional methods may not reliably protect wind turbine components from damage or adequately handle extreme weather conditions, such as extreme wind conditions. Other problems with existing technologies may involve high energy consumption or other drawbacks.

[0006] Therefore, a method and corresponding apparatus may be needed for operating wind turbines during high wind load conditions, especially during storms, hurricanes, typhoons or tropical cyclones, in which at least some of the aforementioned problems are reduced or even overcome. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manipulating a wind turbine including a nacelle connected to a tower via a yaw system is provided. The method is particularly used to provide protection against high wind loads. The method includes: providing a control signal to a yaw actuator of the yaw system when the nacelle is in a first orientation; and applying a torque to the nacelle relative to the tower by the yaw actuator, thereby rotating the nacelle to a second orientation, which is a downwind orientation.

[0008] This method can be implemented in software and / or hardware, and can be executed by a module of a wind turbine controller.

[0009] As a basic principle, this method can be executed "to provide protection against high wind loads." However, providing protection against high wind loads may be, but is not necessarily, a condition for this method. The method can be triggered to yaw downwind, for example, when the (filtered) wind speed threshold is exceeded and / or a delay has passed and / or a user command has been received, etc.

[0010] This method can be executed using a yaw actuator that rotatably connects the wind turbine tower to the nacelle, allowing the nacelle's orientation to be adjusted by actuating the yaw actuator. The yaw actuator may include, for example, one or more electric motors and / or hydraulic systems.

[0011] Inside the nacelle, the rotor is rotatably supported, and the rotor can drive a generator to generate electrical energy as the rotor rotates. At the rotor, multiple rotor blades are connected.

[0012] The yaw system can be configured to cause the nacelle to rotate, turn, or yaw relative to the tower about a rotation axis that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine tower.

[0013] High wind loads can be caused by high wind speeds, for example, during storms, hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones. High wind loads may develop if, for example, wind speeds exceed 50 m / s or 100 m / s. Specifically, this method can be triggered when wind speeds (e.g., monitored by one or more wind speed sensors) exceed a wind speed threshold, which can be set according to the application, the structural characteristics of the wind turbine, and particularly the structural characteristics of the rotor blades. The method can be triggered or initiated manually or automatically.

[0014] The first orientation may involve, for example, the orientation of the nacelle (relative to the tower) during normal operation of the wind turbine generating electricity. For instance, the first orientation may be used when wind speeds are below a threshold value above which the wind load would be excessive for the wind turbine to operate normally. For example, in the first orientation, the nacelle may be oriented such that winds impacting the rotor blades cause the rotor to rotate.

[0015] In contrast, in the second orientation, the wind turbine may not be oriented for energy generation. In the second orientation, the rotor may rotate, but at a much lower rotational speed than in the first position (e.g., between 0% and 50% of the speed in the first orientation). The second orientation can be employed when the wind turbine is shut down and is designed to protect the turbine components from damage.

[0016] The transition from the first orientation of the nacelle to the second orientation is (at least in part) influenced by the action of a yaw actuator, which applies torque to the nacelle relative to the tower, causing the nacelle (essentially about the longitudinal axis of the tower) to rotate to achieve the second orientation. The angle between the first and second orientations can be between 160° and 220°, particularly around 180°.

[0017] During the transition from the first orientation to the second orientation, the yaw rate or rotational speed (e.g., measured in degrees per second) can be constant or can take different values. For example, for certain yaw ranges anticipated to particularly high loads, the rotational speed may be less than or different from the speeds anticipated to other yaw ranges to lower loads. During the nacelle's transition from the first orientation to the second orientation, some rotational torque may also be applied by the impingement wind. However, the yaw actuator also applies active yaw, i.e., applies torque for actively rotating the nacelle.

[0018] The "torque" applied by the actuator can be set to control the yaw in the desired direction, but the "torque" applied by the actuator does not necessarily act in that direction.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, in sufficiently strong winds, the impact of the wind can cause the yaw motor to generate electricity (rather than consume it). In order to maintain controlled yaw (e.g., with respect to yaw speed and / or yaw position), (a plurality of) yaw motors (examples of actuators) and / or (a plurality of) yaw brakes can be used actively or passively to counteract the wind force, particularly to slow down or otherwise control the yaw speed so as to minimize the load passing through certain parts as described above.

[0020] The rotation direction can be clockwise or counterclockwise. However, the degree of twist of the cables extending from the nacelle to the tower can be taken into account, and this twist can be minimized by appropriately selecting the rotation direction.

[0021] The time allotted for rotating the cabin from the first orientation to the second orientation can be in the range of 5 to 20 minutes.

[0022] When yaw actuators are used to actively rotate or yaw the nacelle, the transition from the first orientation to the second orientation can be performed in a controlled and predictable manner and at a predictable time. Therefore, components of the wind turbine can be protected from damage.

[0023] Furthermore, when the second orientation is downwind, the deteriorating or destructive effects of wind impact on the wind turbine may be smaller compared to when the wind turbine or nacelle is upwind.

[0024] The nacelle's downwind orientation can be substantially opposite to the following orientation, which is adopted during normal operation for generating electrical power. In a downwind orientation, the hub, which houses multiple rotor blades, may not face the wind but is oriented in the opposite direction. A downwind orientation can also be referred to as the nacelle's leeward orientation, which includes the hub and rotor blades being leeward (in Lee) or downwind relative to the tower.

[0025] In contrast, in the first orientation, which may be upwind oriented, the hub, including the rotor blades, can be oriented either in the windward direction (in Luv) or upwind relative to the tower.

[0026] It has been found that the loads on wind turbines due to high wind speeds are primarily dependent on the wind speed and the turbine's position relative to the wind. Yaw actuators may need sufficient power and electricity to track wind direction during extreme wind conditions in order to ensure structural integrity.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention position the turbine in a downwind position / orientation during extreme wind conditions. Therefore, the yaw capability requirement can be reduced compared to conventional systems, since the turbine needs to yaw with the wind rather than against it when the wind direction changes. Furthermore, the power consumption of the yaw system performing the rotation operation from the first orientation to the second orientation can be less than other conventional methods that do not employ a downwind nacelle orientation under high wind loads. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can also perform this method when the wind turbine is disconnected from the public power grid. In this case, the required electrical energy can be obtained from a power backup system, which will be explained in detail below.

[0028] When the nacelle is in its first orientation, the wind turbine may still be generating electricity or may have already been idling. Therefore, for example, the rotor blade pitch angle may already be in a feathering position, i.e., a position of minimum lift. During this period, the rotor may be essentially not rotating or may only be rotating very slowly.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, in a downwind orientation, the rotor blade hub, on which a plurality of rotor blades are mounted, is opposite to the wind-facing direction, and the angle between the rotor axis and the wind direction is within a tolerance angle range, particularly between 0° and 20°. In a nacelle orientation of 180°, the wind direction is parallel to the rotor axis, and the rotor blade hub is opposite to the wind-facing direction.

[0030] In a downwind orientation, the rotor blades and hub can be positioned downstream or downwind relative to the tower. In a downwind orientation, the deteriorating or destructive effects of strong winds may be less than, for example, in an upstream orientation.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first orientation is a headwind orientation; and / or active yaw control is performed when in the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0032] In a headwind orientation, the rotor blades may be positioned upstream or headwind relative to the tower. Active yaw control may include providing a control signal to the yaw actuator so that the yaw actuator applies torque to the nacelle relative to the tower. Active yaw control differs from passively allowing the nacelle to rotate due to external influences such as (merely) wind impact.

[0033] According to embodiments of the invention, one or more brakes may also be operated or controlled during the method. For example, rotation from a first orientation to a second orientation may be performed gradually, and in one or more steps, a brake may be activated to stop the rotation. For example, rotation may be stopped when wind speeds are so high that even nacelle rotation should be avoided.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, in a headwind orientation, the rotor blade hub, on which a plurality of rotor blades are mounted, faces the wind, and the angle between the rotor axis and the wind direction is within a tolerance angle range, between 0° and 20°, particularly between 0° and 10°, wherein in a nacelle orientation of 0°, the wind direction is parallel to the rotor axis, and the rotor blade hub faces the wind.

[0035] In a headwind orientation, the rotor blades are upstream or upstream relative to the tower. Headwind orientation can be used for normal operation to generate electricity. When in a headwind orientation, the impinging wind can cause the rotor to rotate due to the lift acting on the rotor blades. Therefore, this method allows for a safe operating mode under high wind load conditions or, for example, during the initial operation of a wind turbine.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes commanding the yaw actuator to rotate the nacelle 180° from the first orientation to the second orientation, particularly without taking wind direction information into account.

[0037] In this embodiment, a wind direction sensor may be unnecessary, at least initially. The yaw actuator may simply be commanded to rotate the nacelle 180° relative to the initial orientation (e.g., the first orientation). Therefore, wind direction tracking is not necessarily required. This embodiment may be advantageous if reliable and accurate wind direction information is unavailable due to communication problems, or if, for example, one or more wind direction sensors are temporarily blocked due to the shading effect of, for example, the wind direction sensor's upwind structure. However, during the rotation of the nacelle from the first orientation, temporarily blocked wind direction sensors may be unblocked and a reliable wind direction signal may become available even before the 180° rotation has been completed. When wind direction information becomes available again, the method may include taking into account the available wind direction information and rotating the nacelle such that, for example, the nacelle orientation is 180° or approximately 180° within a tolerance angle range in a second orientation.

[0038] Therefore, the embodiments allow defining the second orientation relative to the actual wind direction, or defining the second orientation relative to the first orientation. Furthermore, a combination can be applied where the definition of the second orientation can be switched during rotation based on, for example, the availability of wind direction information.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes at least one of the following: monitoring wind direction while the nacelle is rotated and / or in a second orientation and / or in a first orientation; filtering the monitored wind direction, wherein the filtering time constant depends on the wind speed.

[0040] Furthermore, advantageously, wind speed can also be monitored and taken into account in embodiments of the invention to control the method. Wind direction can be monitored or measured by one or more wind direction sensors (which can also be configured to measure wind speed and / or turbulence). Monitoring wind direction allows for more accurate repositioning of the nacelle to a location reliably protecting wind turbine components from damage. The method can take wind direction information into account when the nacelle is rotated to a second orientation. Specifically, the second orientation can be defined relative to the monitored wind direction. In this sense, the second orientation can be considered a target orientation for high wind load conditions, and the second orientation can be dynamically defined based on potentially changing wind directions.

[0041] The cabin can be rotated based on the monitored wind direction. Therefore, both unfiltered and filtered wind directions can be considered. Filtering the wind direction can provide smoothing and thus improve the method.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least a first wind direction sensor and a second wind direction sensor installed at different locations on a wind turbine are used, and their measurement signals and / or status information are considered in combination and / or in a weighted manner to provide wind direction information.

[0043] The first and second wind direction sensors can also be configured to measure wind speed and / or turbulence. The sensors can be mounted, for example, above the nacelle or at least in the top portion. However, additional structures, or particularly cooling components, can also be mounted above the nacelle. Therefore, for a specific yaw orientation and wind direction, one or both wind direction sensors can be obstructed, i.e., they can be arranged in the shade of a sensor upwind obstruction structure. The method can detect when a wind direction sensor is obstructed. In this case, measurement data from the other wind direction sensor (if present and also obstructed) can be primarily utilized or weighted with a higher magnitude to provide wind direction information. The information provided by the wind direction sensors can be processed similarly to that described in document WO2021 / 004788 A1. Therefore, the reliability of the method can be improved.

[0044] According to embodiments of the invention, the turbine may have only a single wind sensor and / or the turbine may rely on wind sensors installed elsewhere (e.g., on a mast or adjacent turbine).

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes, when a second orientation is reached and / or when the nacelle is rotated (and wind direction is monitored / available): providing a control signal to the yaw actuator to maintain the nacelle orientation within a tolerance angle range of approximately 180° when the monitored wind direction changes.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the yaw continues to be actively controlled, taking into account the actual measured or monitored wind direction. For example, an error signal can be provided to a controller, which can derive an actuator signal based on the error signal, such that the error signal is reduced when the actuator is actuated. The error signal can be, for example, the difference between the target nacelle orientation (e.g., at 180°) and the actual nacelle orientation (relative to the wind direction). When the actual nacelle orientation deviates from the target orientation by more than a specified tolerance, the actuator can be commanded to apply torque to reduce the deviation between the target and actual orientations. Therefore, a set of conventionally available control methods can be applied.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes, if the nacelle orientation is outside the tolerance angle range: controlling a yaw actuator to apply torque to the nacelle to rotate the nacelle such that the nacelle orientation is readjusted to be within the tolerance angle range; and stopping the application of torque when a predetermined stop orientation within the tolerance angle range is reached.

[0048] Depending on the application, the tolerance angle range can be, for example, 5°, 10° or 20°.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, the nacelle is rotated from the first orientation in a direction of rotation so as to cause minimal cable twisting when the second orientation is reached.

[0050] For example, power cables connected to converters or generators within the nacelle can extend downwards from the nacelle into the wind turbine tower. Due to the considerable stiffness of these power cables, twisting the cables is only possible within a specific range. The method may also include monitoring this twist or determining it based on an adjusted yaw angle. The method may also include monitoring the direction of the twist, i.e., whether the cable is clockwise or counterclockwise. The twist state can be monitored or stored in appropriate memory. Then, based on the target orientation considered in the second orientation, it can be determined or predicted whether clockwise or counterclockwise rotation will result in a smaller twist. The rotation direction that results in minimal twist in the second orientation can be selected as the actual rotation direction used to switch the nacelle from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes applying torque to the nacelle relative to the tower by a yaw actuator, thereby rotating the nacelle from a second orientation to a third orientation, which is a headwind orientation, wherein the third orientation is reached when the nacelle has rotated 180° from the second orientation and / or when the nacelle orientation is approximately 0° within the tolerance angle range.

[0052] When wind speeds have already decreased (e.g., to a level where electricity can be generated), a yaw toward a third orientation can be delayed to avoid upwind yaw during the eye of the storm or during a temporary respite in the storm.

[0053] Delays can be implemented in various ways (e.g., using a multi-rate filter with a decreasing time constant, or keeping the wind speed below a threshold for a specified time period).

[0054] According to embodiments of the present invention, the deactivation of a tailwind configuration (or a second orientation) and / or the adoption of a third orientation can be performed or triggered in the following ways:

[0055] Immediately based on (e.g., normal filtration) wind speed;

[0056] Delaying the process after the wind speed decreases, for example, to avoid the eye of the storm;

[0057] Manually disable as needed.

[0058] In the third orientation, for example, when high wind load conditions end, the wind turbine can resume normal operation to generate electricity. Depending on the application and the availability of wind direction information, the third orientation can be defined relative to the second orientation or relative to the wind direction. This enhances flexibility. After aligning to the third orientation, the wind turbine can either resume normal operation or be started to allow the rotor to begin rotating.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes rotating the nacelle from a second orientation, wherein the rotation of the nacelle from the second orientation is performed in a rotation direction so as to cause minimal cable twisting when reaching the third orientation.

[0060] Specifically, the rotation from the second orientation toward the third orientation can be in the same direction as the rotation that causes the nacelle to change or rotate from the first orientation to the second orientation, or it can be in the opposite direction. Specifically, when the nacelle is rotated from the first orientation to the second orientation, the direction of rotation and / or the twisting state can be stored in memory. This helps prevent excessive twisting of the power cables.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an actuated yaw actuator receives electrical energy from at least one of the following:

[0062] Public power grid;

[0063] Power backup system;

[0064] One or more batteries;

[0065] A generator driven by a combustion engine; and / or

[0066] Specifically, when a high wind load, particularly a wind speed exceeding a speed threshold, is anticipated and / or predicted and / or detected, the method is executed or triggered, or the nacelle is rotated to a second orientation.

[0067] Therefore, this method can also be executed when the wind turbine is disconnected from the public power grid. For example, a diesel generator can be used as the combustion engine. The method can be triggered, for example, based on weather forecast data or actual measured weather conditions, or it can be triggered manually.

[0068] It should be understood that features disclosed, described, or explained individually or in any combination for the method of manipulating a wind turbine may also be applied individually or in any combination to or provided to the apparatus for manipulating a wind turbine according to embodiments of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for maneuvering a wind turbine including a nacelle connected to a tower via a yaw system is provided. The apparatus is used to provide protection against high wind loads and includes: a control signal generator configured to: provide a control signal to a yaw actuator of the yaw system when the nacelle is in a first orientation; causing the yaw actuator to apply torque to the nacelle relative to the tower, thereby rotating the nacelle to a second orientation, the second orientation being a downwind orientation.

[0070] The device may be part of a wind turbine controller. The yaw actuator may include an electric motor and / or a hydraulic system. The device may be configured to perform a method of manipulating a wind turbine according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wind turbine is provided, the wind turbine comprising: a tower; a nacelle above the tower, the nacelle being connected to the tower via a yaw system including a yaw actuator; and an apparatus according to the foregoing embodiment, the apparatus being communicatively connected to the yaw actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the illustrated or described embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts a wind turbine in two operating states according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0073] Figure 3 The illustration shows a method diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0074] The descriptions in the accompanying drawings are schematic. According to embodiments of the present invention... Figure 1 The illustrated wind turbine 1 includes: a tower 2; and a nacelle 3 above the tower, the nacelle 3 being connected to the tower 2 via a yaw system 4 including a yaw actuator. According to an embodiment of the invention, the wind turbine 1 further includes means 5 (in the nacelle 3) for operating the wind turbine. The nacelle 3 includes a rotor 6 having a hub 7, and a plurality of rotor blades 8 mounted at the hub 7.

[0075] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the wind turbine 1 is in the first state, with the nacelle 3 in the first orientation, which is a headwind orientation. Figure 1 In the first orientation of the nacelle 3 shown in the diagram, the hub 7 faces the wind 9, and the hub 7 and rotor blades 8 are upwind relative to the wind turbine tower 2. Therefore, the rotor blades 8 and hub 7 are on the windward side relative to the tower 2.

[0076] Figure 2 The illustration shows a wind turbine 1 in its second configuration, employed during periods of high wind load (e.g., during a severe storm). In this second configuration, the nacelle 3 is in a second orientation, which is a downwind orientation. Figure 2 In the downwind orientation shown in the figure, the rotor blades 8 and hub 7 are downwind relative to the wind turbine tower 2, that is, they are on the leeward side relative to the tower 2.

[0077] In order to move the wind turbine 1 from Figure 1 The first state described in the text transitions to Figure 2 In the second state depicted, the method of manipulating a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed and performed or controlled by device 5. Therefore, when the wind turbine is in such a state... Figure 1 When the first orientation is as depicted, device 5 provides control signal 10 to yaw actuator 4. Upon receiving control signal 10, yaw actuator 4 applies force to nacelle 3. Figure 1 The torque 11 depicted (where torque 11 is about the longitudinal axis 12 of the tower 2). By applying torque 11, actuator 4 rotates nacelle 3 to a second orientation, as shown. Figure 2 As depicted in the text.

[0078] exist Figure 2In this configuration, the second orientation corresponds to a nacelle orientation of 180°, wherein the rotor axis 13 of the rotor 6 is parallel to the wind direction 9, and the rotor blade hub is opposite to the windward direction 9, i.e., the rotor blade 8 is downwind relative to the wind turbine tower 2. The second orientation may not necessarily be an exact nacelle orientation of 180°, but may deviate from the nacelle orientation of 180° within a certain angular tolerance range.

[0079] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment illustrated, the wind turbine includes one or more wind direction sensors 14a, 14b, which may be mounted above the nacelle 3. In other embodiments, the wind direction sensors may be located in different positions than depicted, and / or the wind direction information may be received from an external source. The wind direction sensors 14a, 14b acquire wind direction information 15 and provide it to the device 5. In embodiments of the invention, the device 5 takes the wind direction information 15 into account in order to rotate the nacelle 3 and subsequently maintain the nacelle 3 in a specific second orientation defined relative to the wind direction 9 measured by the wind direction sensors 14a, 14b, and 14b.

[0080] From inside the cabin 3, the power cable 16 extends inside the tower 2 to the tower base or an outlet not shown in detail. Embodiments of the invention monitor cable twisting of the cable 16 and rotate it in one direction to allow it to... Figure 1 The first state described in the text transitions to Figure 2 The second state causes the least cable twist, and vice versa.

[0081] After the storm subsides, wind turbine 1 can then... Figure 2 The second orientation or second state described herein transitions to a third state, which may resemble, for example, Figure 1 The first state described in the text.

[0082] therefore, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the starting point for performing a method of manipulating a wind turbine, wherein the wind turbine 1 can idle in a headwind position under active yaw control operation. Figure 1 The wind speed can be, for example, in the range of 25 to 40 m / s, and the wind turbine can follow the potential wind direction change when in an upwind position.

[0083] Then, control functions for positioning the wind turbine in a downwind position are activated. This can be initiated manually from the turbine control center, or automatically, for example, based on measured or estimated wind speed (e.g., wind speed measured by one of wind speed sensors 14a, 14b). Figure 1Beginning with the scenario described, wind turbine 1 can begin to yaw from an upwind position or orientation to a downwind position or orientation (considered the nacelle orientation). Therefore, the yaw direction can be one that results in minimal cable twist (e.g., cable 16) upon reaching the target position or orientation, in order to optimally position the wind turbine relative to the cable twist and minimize the risk of exceeding the cable twist range during extreme wind conditions (hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones typically cause significant wind direction changes).

[0084] A shift to a downwind position or orientation can be performed by commanding the turbine to yaw 180° offset relative to the current wind direction or nacelle position. In both cases, the signal from the wind direction sensor can be used during the yaw to update the remaining distance inangle degrees to the target downwind position based on the change in wind direction. However, the latter method also allows for yaw without relying on wind direction / sensor. This can be advantageous if only one wind direction sensor is available and the yaw direction (for untwisted cables) would cause the sensor to become obstructed at some point by the nacelle or other structures on the nacelle. Because the method can switch between using wind direction and nacelle position during the shift to a downwind position, the remaining distance and direction to the target downwind position can be updated when the wind direction sensor becomes unobstructed due to the turbine yaw out of an obstructed sensor or a change in wind direction.

[0085] In such Figure 2 In the downwind orientation described, the wind turbine can follow potential wind direction changes by activating yaw system 4. Compared to a headwind situation, the capability of yaw system 4 may be reduced or less because the turbine may yaw "with the wind" rather than "against the wind" as in a headwind position or orientation. Furthermore, the yaw system can consume less power, which is especially important when electricity is provided by a backup power system. Wind tracking can be achieved by maintaining a 180° offset within a designated dead zone, thus maintaining... Figure 2 The turbine's yaw controller monitors the wind direction and returns the turbine to its yaw position when the difference between a 180° offset relative to the wind position or direction and the nacelle orientation exceeds the dead zone (also known as the tolerance angle range). The stop limit determines how close the nacelle must be to the 180° offset before it can stop yawing. The wind direction can be filtered to limit the amount of yaw activity, where the filtering time constant can depend on the wind speed.

[0086] Control functions for bringing the turbine back to the upwind position (for power generation) can be manually activated from the turbine control center or automatically activated based on measured or estimated wind speeds (typically around the maximum start-up wind speed, for example, between 20-25 m / s). Therefore, (e.g., predefined) delays can be applied to avoid premature upwind yaw during temporary respite in the eye of the storm or within the storm.

[0087] From such Figure 2 As the state described in the diagram begins or continues, the wind turbine can begin to yaw from a downwind orientation to a headwind orientation. The yaw direction can be the direction that results in the minimum amount of table twist when reaching the target position or target orientation, so as to position the turbine in the base position relative to the cable twist and minimize the possibility of the cable unwinding during power generation.

[0088] In order to make wind turbines from Figure 2 The second state described in the text deflects to a state that may resemble, for example, Figure 1 The third state described in the text can be performed in a similar or identical manner to the position described for the first and second states.

[0089] Similarly, in a headwind orientation, the turbine can idle or start up.

[0090] During the execution of this method, the power supply for the wind turbine can be provided by the grid connection, or alternatively by a power backup system (such as a battery or diesel generator, if available).

[0091] Figure 3 A method diagram 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Method 20 begins with method step 21 by idling in a headwind orientation, while active yaw control is performed. In step 22, tailwind idling is enabled manually or automatically. In a further method step 23, a transition to a tailwind orientation or position is performed, wherein the wind turbine rotates or yaws to a tailwind position or orientation. In a further method step 24, the wind turbine idles in a tailwind orientation while yaw control is active. In a further method step 25, tailwind idling is disabled manually or automatically.

[0092] In a further step 26, a change to a headwind position or orientation is performed, wherein the wind turbine rotates or yaws to the headwind position or orientation. In a further step 27, the wind turbine idles or starts up in the headwind orientation or position. Therefore, active yaw control can be performed.

[0093] For one or more of steps 21 to 27, the power may be taken from a generally illustrated power source 30, which may include power from a grid connection and / or power from a backup system.

[0094] Embodiments of the present invention allow for reduction of loads on yaw systems in very extreme wind conditions, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones. Load reduction on the yaw system can be achieved by positioning the turbine in a downwind position or orientation, where the turbine will naturally terminate if it rotates completely freely within the yaw system. Furthermore, energy consumption can be reduced.

[0095] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" does not exclude a plurality. Elements described in different embodiments can also be combined. It should also be noted that reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for manipulating a wind turbine (1), the wind turbine including a nacelle (3) connected to a tower (2) via a yaw system (4), the method comprising: When the cabin (3) is in the first orientation, a control signal (10) is provided to the yaw actuator of the yaw system (4). The yaw actuator (4) applies torque (11) to the nacelle (3) relative to the tower (2), thereby The nacelle (3) is rotated to a second orientation, which is a downwind orientation. Wherein, the second orientation is defined relative to the actual wind direction or relative to the first orientation. The second orientation is subject to switching depending on the availability of wind direction information.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, In the downwind orientation, the rotor blade hub (7), on which multiple rotor blades (8) are mounted, is opposite to the wind direction (9), and the angle between the rotor axis and the wind direction is within the tolerance angle range. In the 180° nacelle orientation, the wind direction (9) is parallel to the rotor axis (13), and the rotor blade hub (7) is opposite to the wind direction (9).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, The first orientation is a headwind orientation; and / or Active yaw control is performed when the orientation is in the first or second orientation.

4. The method according to claim 3, in, In the aforementioned upwind orientation, the rotor blade hub (7), on which multiple rotor blades (8) are mounted, faces the wind direction (9), and the angle between the rotor axis and the wind direction is within the tolerance angle range, between 0° and 20°. In the nacelle orientation at 0°, the wind direction (9) is parallel to the rotor axis (13), and the rotor blade hub (7) faces the wind direction (9).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The yaw actuator (4) is commanded to rotate the cabin (3) 180° from the first orientation to the second orientation.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising providing wind direction information by at least one of the following methods (15): The wind direction is monitored when the nacelle (3) is rotated and / or in the second orientation and / or in the first orientation; The monitored wind direction is filtered, among which, The filtration time constant depends on the wind speed.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, At least a first wind direction sensor (14a) and a second wind direction sensor (14b) are used, the first wind direction sensor and the second wind direction sensor are installed at different locations on the wind turbine and / or located outside the wind turbine, and the measurement signals and / or status information of the first wind direction sensor and the second wind direction sensor are combined and / or considered in a weighted manner to provide wind direction information.

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: when the second orientation is reached and / or when the nacelle is rotated and the wind direction is monitored / available: A control signal (10) is provided to the yaw actuator (4) to maintain the cabin orientation at approximately 180° within the tolerance angle range when the monitored wind direction changes.

9. The method according to claim 2 or 4, further comprising: if the cabin orientation is outside the tolerance angle range: The yaw actuator (4) is controlled to apply torque to the nacelle (3) to rotate the nacelle so that the nacelle orientation is readjusted to be within the tolerance angle range; When the predetermined stop orientation is reached within the tolerance angle range, the application of the torque is stopped.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, The rotation of the cabin (3) from the first orientation is carried out in a direction of rotation so as to cause minimal cable twisting when it reaches the second orientation.

11. The method according to claim 2 or 4, further comprising: The yaw actuator applies torque to the nacelle (3) relative to the tower (2), thereby The nacelle is rotated from the second orientation to the third orientation, which is a headwind orientation. The third orientation is achieved when the cabin rotates 180° from the second orientation and / or when the cabin orientation is approximately 0° within the tolerance angle range.

12. The method according to claim 11, in, The rotation of the cabin (3) from the second orientation is carried out in a direction of rotation so as to cause minimal cable twisting when reaching the third orientation, and / or The method is performed and / or triggered and / or enabled, and / or the cabin rotates from the second orientation to the third orientation. Automatically based on measured and / or estimated wind speed.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, To actuate the yaw actuator (4), electrical energy is received from at least one of the following: Public power grid; Power backup system; One or more batteries; A generator driven by a combustion engine; and / or Among them, when high wind loads are anticipated and / or predicted and / or detected, Execute or trigger and / or enable the method, or rotate the cabin to the second orientation.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is used to provide protection against high wind loads.

15. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The angle between the rotor axis and the wind direction is between 0° and 20°.

16. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The angle between the rotor axis and the wind direction is between 0° and 10°.

17. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The yaw actuator (4) is commanded to rotate the nacelle (3) 180° from the first orientation to the second orientation, regardless of wind direction information.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Apply a delay to avoid premature upwind yaw during temporary calm periods in the eye of the storm or within the storm.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The high wind load refers to wind speeds exceeding the speed threshold.

20. A device (5) for maneuvering a wind turbine (1), the wind turbine including a nacelle (3) connected to a tower (2) via a yaw system (4), the device (5) for providing protection against high wind loads, the device comprising: A control signal generator, the control signal generator being configured to: When the cabin (3) is in the first orientation, a control signal (10) is provided to the yaw actuator (4) of the yaw system. This causes the yaw actuator (4) to apply torque (11) to the nacelle relative to the tower, thereby causing the nacelle (3) to rotate to a second orientation, which is a downwind orientation. Wherein, the second orientation is defined relative to the actual wind direction or relative to the first orientation. The second orientation is subject to switching depending on the availability of wind direction information.

21. A wind turbine (1), comprising: Tower (2); The nacelle (3) above the tower is connected to the tower via a yaw system including a yaw actuator (4); as well as The device (5) according to claim 20 is communicatively connected to the yaw actuator (4).

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