Wind Turbine Control with Adaptive Turbulence Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face damage risks and reduced power generation due to extreme wind turbulences, which are difficult to predict and often lead to permanent curtailment despite being rare events.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device for wind turbines that utilize a turbulence indicator safety function to dynamically adjust performance parameters like generator power, rotor speed, and pitch angle to maintain safe operating conditions, preventing damage and optimizing power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wind turbine operates at maximum power generation capacity, then power output is maximized, but the risk of damage from extreme wind turbulences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts performance parameters (rotor speed, generator power, pitch angle) based on real-time turbulence conditions rather than operating at fixed maximum capacity. This allows the wind turbine to adapt its operating point to balance power generation with damage prevention during extreme wind events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (rotor speed, generator power, pitch angle) in response to detected turbulence conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the wind turbine can reduce loads during extreme turbulences while maintaining optimal power generation during normal conditions.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine is permanently curtailed to prevent damage from extreme wind turbulences, then reliability is improved, but power generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors turbulence conditions and provides feedback to adjust performance parameters in real-time. This closed-loop control enables the system to operate at maximum capacity during safe conditions and automatically reduce power when turbulence thresholds are exceeded, rather than implementing permanent curtailment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting turbulence conditions and adjusting performance parameters before extreme loads can cause damage. This proactive approach allows the wind turbine to prevent damage while minimizing unnecessary curtailment of power generation.
3Device complexity
If the wind turbine operates without dynamic turbulence adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent damage during extreme conditions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control system adjusts key performance parameters (rotor speed, generator power, pitch angle) based on turbulence detection. By focusing changes on these critical parameters rather than redesigning the entire system, the solution improves extreme condition protection with minimal increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for operating a wind turbine operable in various operating conditions. Each operating condition is characterized by at least one performance parameter value. A turbulence indicator safety function is associated with the wind turbine and defines maximum allowable turbulence indicator values depending on the operating condition and a wind speed. The method includes at least the following steps: determining the current operating condition, estimating the current wind speed, evaluating a current TImax value linked to the current operating condition and the current wind speed, determining a current turbulence indicator estimation TIest value representative of a current wind turbulence, comparing the current TIest value to the current TImax value, wherein, if the current TIest value exceeds the current TImax value, the current operating condition is adapted to a safe operating condition, associated with a TImax value that is equal to or exceeds the current TIest value.