Adaptive Wind Turbine Warning System for Extreme Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine generator systems in wind parks operate inefficiently due to the need for conservative measures against rare extreme wind events, limiting power production and requiring all outermost turbines to operate defensively, which is not efficient.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive selection of wind turbine generators based on measured wind direction to form a partial ring of 'front line' turbines that detect and warn other turbines of extreme wind events, allowing only strategically selected turbines to operate defensively, thereby optimizing resource allocation and power production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all outermost turbines operate defensively to protect against extreme wind events, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited power production
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wind park into front line WTGs (outermost turbines) and non-front line WTGs (inner turbines). Only the front line WTGs operate defensively to detect and warn of extreme wind events, while non-front line WTGs can operate at full capacity when protected, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Different operational modes are assigned to different locations within the wind park. Front line WTGs located in the outer region operate defensively with conservative measures, while inner WTGs located in protected regions can operate aggressively at maximum power production, optimizing both reliability and productivity based on local risk exposure
2Reliability
If turbines operate conservatively with large robustness margin, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational mode based on real-time wind conditions and detected extreme wind events. WTGs transition between conservative defensive operation and aggressive maximum power production mode, optimizing both reliability and productivity by adapting to changing environmental conditions rather than maintaining a static conservative approach
Solution Approach 2:
Front line WTGs detect extreme wind events and send warnings to non-front line WTGs, creating a feedback mechanism. This allows non-front line WTGs to switch to defensive operation only when necessary based on actual detected threats, rather than operating conservatively all the time, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If wind direction changes are accommodated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for continuous reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple WTGs are merged into a coordinated system where front line WTGs collectively monitor wind conditions and provide warnings to non-front line WTGs. This unified approach simplifies control by having a clear hierarchical structure (front line detectors/warners and non-front line protected turbines) rather than requiring complex individual control decisions at each turbine, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is provides for warning a wind turbine generator (WTG) in a wind park of an extreme wind event. According to one embodiment, one or more front line WTGs of the wind park that detect extreme wind events and provide the warning are adaptively selected based on a measured wind direction. Thus, the selection of front line WTGs is adaptive to changing wind conditions. In another embodiment, a wind park includes a group of one or more WTGs of a first type located in an inner region of the wind park and a plurality of WTGs of a second type located in an outer region of the wind park that at least partially surrounds the inner region. The first type of WTG is structurally weaker and/or rated for higher performance than the second type of WTG.