Airborne Wind Energy Zone Segmentation for Turbine Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wind parks combining wind turbines and airborne wind energy systems, there is a risk of non-optimal operating conditions and collision between the airborne wind energy systems and wind turbines, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

Defining zones based on the location of wind turbines and airborne units to apply different control parameters, reducing the risk of collision and optimizing operating conditions by determining the position of the airborne unit and applying specific sets of control parameters depending on its zone location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If airborne wind energy systems operate at high altitude to capture wind energy, then energy production is improved, but collision risk with wind turbines increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy productionVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operational space is segmented into multiple altitude zones (first operational zone at lower altitude, second operational zone at higher altitude). The control system dynamically segments the flight path by transitioning between zones based on real-time position and wind conditions, allowing the airborne unit to optimize energy capture while avoiding collision-prone areas near wind turbines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control parameters that continuously adjust the airborne unit's position, velocity, and orientation based on real-time conditions. The control system dynamically transitions between operational zones and adjusts flight characteristics to balance energy production optimization with collision avoidance, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If control parameters are adjusted to avoid collision, then safety is improved, but energy production may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidenergy production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements periodic transitions between operational zones, alternating between lower-altitude safe operation and higher-altitude energy capture. This periodic action allows the system to accumulate energy production during high-altitude phases while maintaining safety during low-altitude phases, optimizing the overall balance between safety and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (altitude, velocity, position) based on the defined zones and real-time conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to the operational zone, the system achieves optimal energy production when safe and maintains safety when necessary, resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple airborne units operate in the same park, then energy production increases, but entanglement and collision risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy productionVSAvoidentanglement risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each airborne unit is assigned specific operational zones and spatial boundaries. The system segments the overall operational space into designated areas for different units, allowing multiple units to operate simultaneously in the same park without interfering with each other, thus enabling increased energy production while minimizing entanglement and collision risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enhances safety by reducing collision risks and optimizes energy production by ensuring optimal operating conditions for both wind turbines and airborne wind energy systems, thereby increasing overall energy production and avoiding unnecessary suspension.

Implementation Method 1

a set of wind turbine blades coupled to a rotor are directed into the incoming wind, and the energy of the wind is extracted by the wind turbine blades which are caused to rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind: Wind

Implementation Method 2

The rotor is connected to a generator, and the mechanical energy of the rotating rotor is therein converted into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

an airborne unit of the system is launched to a high altitude, where energy of the wind is harvested. The harvested energy is transferred from the airborne unit to a base station, either in the form of mechanical energy or in the form of electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind: Wind

Data Source

PatentUS11965486B2Wind energy park comprising a wind turbine and an airborne wind energy system

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

A wind park with wind turbines and airborne wind energy systems where a first zone and a second zone is defined for at least one of the airborne wind energy systems such that the risk of collision between apart of that airborne wind energy systems and a part of one of the wind turbines is higher when the airborne unit of that airborne wind energy system is in the second zone than when it is in the first zone, and different control parameters are applied to the control of at least one of the wind turbine and the airborne wind energy system depending on the position of the airborne unit relative to the defined zones.