Wind Turbine Blade Heating Cycle Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wind turbine heating systems rely on historical data for power curve monitoring, leading to inefficient ice prevention and removal, resulting in substantial net energy loss due to the lack of consideration for future weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates a first power production curve based on current weather conditions and a second power production curve based on future weather conditions, adjusting the heating cycle of the blade to minimize net power production loss by using the second curve when it reduces losses more effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional power curve monitoring based on historical data is used to trigger de-ice or anti-ice cycles, then ice accumulation on blades can be prevented, but substantial net energy loss occurs due to lack of consideration for future weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice prevention reliabilityVSAvoidnet energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by using weather forecasting data to predict future icing conditions before they occur. The controller proactively adjusts heating cycles based on predicted weather patterns, allowing the wind turbine to prepare for and prevent ice accumulation before it becomes a problem, rather than reacting only when current conditions indicate icing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by making the heating cycle control adaptive and flexible. Instead of relying on static historical data, the controller continuously adjusts heating cycles based on real-time weather conditions and future weather forecasts. This dynamic approach allows optimal energy consumption while maintaining effective ice prevention under varying weather scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If heating systems are continuously activated to prevent ice accumulation, then blade aerodynamics are maintained, but excessive energy consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by activating heating cycles only when necessary based on predicted icing conditions. Rather than continuous heating, the controller uses weather forecasting data to determine specific time periods when heating is needed, applying heat partially and selectively to maintain blade aerodynamics only during high-risk periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring current weather conditions and comparing them with forecasted future conditions. The controller uses this feedback loop to dynamically adjust heating cycle activation, ensuring energy is consumed only when predicted to be necessary for preventing ice accumulation that would adversely affect power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If de-ice or anti-ice cycles are triggered based on deviation from reference power curve, then ice removal is achieved, but the timing may be suboptimal without considering future weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating cycle controlVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by using weather forecasting data to predict future icing conditions before they occur. The controller proactively adjusts heating cycles based on predicted weather patterns, allowing the wind turbine to prepare for and prevent ice accumulation before it becomes a problem, rather than reacting only when current conditions indicate icing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by making the heating cycle control adaptive and flexible. Instead of relying on static historical data, the controller continuously adjusts heating cycles based on real-time weather conditions and future weather forecasts. This dynamic approach allows optimal energy consumption while maintaining effective ice prevention under varying weather scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach reduces energy wastage by accurately predicting icing conditions and optimizing heating cycles based on future weather forecasts, thereby enhancing the efficiency of wind turbine operations.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of electro-thermal heat (ETH) panels may be utilized as a heating system. The ETH panels may be embedded in each blade and powered on to prevent ice accumulation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-thermal heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11536253B2Temperature control based on weather forecasting

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a method of controlling a temperature of a blade includes generating a first power production curve based on current weather conditions and generating a second power production curve based on future weather conditions. The method also includes, in response to determining that the second power production curve reduces a net power production loss of the blade more than the first power production curve, adjusting a heating cycle of the blade based on the second power production curve rather than the first power production curve.