Wind Turbine Blade Plasma Flow and Lightning Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind power generation systems in Japan face challenges due to rapid wind speed and direction changes, leading to decreased power generation efficiency and increased costs, as well as the risk of lightning damage to electric devices installed on windmill blades.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an airflow generation device with a dielectric between electrodes on windmill blades, generating a plasma-induced flow, combined with a lightning protection system that includes receptors and a discharge power supply to manage voltage and protect against lightning strikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric devices such as airflow generation devices are installed on windmill blades to improve power generation efficiency, then power generation efficiency is improved, but the risk of lightning damage to these devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
A discharge gap is introduced as an intermediary component between the airflow generation device and the lightning receptor. This discharge gap acts as a protective mediator that allows lightning current to be safely directed to ground through a controlled path, preventing direct damage to the electric devices while maintaining their operational integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection path is segmented into separate sections: one path for normal operation (power supply to airflow generation device) and another path for lightning protection (receptor through discharge gap to ground). This segmentation allows the system to handle both power generation and lightning protection functions independently without interference
2Reliability
If a lightning protection system is added to protect electric devices on blades, then lightning protection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning protection system is merged with the existing blade structure and electrical system. The discharge gap is integrated into the blade's electrical architecture, and the receptor is positioned to work with the existing airflow generation device mounting structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge gap provides automatic protection without requiring external control or monitoring systems. When lightning strikes, the discharge gap automatically activates to provide a safe current path to ground, eliminating the need for complex control circuits, sensors, or manual intervention
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 solution enhances the stability and safety of wind power generation by improving power efficiency and reducing damage from lightning strikes, ensuring reliable operation of electric devices on windmill blades.
Implementation Method 1
The airflow generation device includes a dielectric provided between a pair of electrodes, and applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes makes the airflow generation device generate the plasma induced flow (airflow)
Implementation Method 2
the lightning receptor is electrically connected to a third conductor earthed so as to be able to carry the current from a stroke of lightning to the earth
Data Source
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AI summary
A wind power generation system according to an embodiment includes a blade; a lightning protection device; an electric device; a voltage application mechanism; a first lightning arrester element; and a second lightning arrester element. The lightning protection device includes a receptor provided at the blade and guides a current of lightning to the ground from the receptor via a lightning conductor. The electric device is installed at the blade and includes a first electric conductor and a second electric conductor provided apart from each other. The voltage application mechanism applies a voltage between the first electric conductor and the second electric conductor. The first lightning arrester element has one end thereof electrically connected to the first electric conductor and has the other end thereof grounded. The second lightning arrester element has one end thereof electrically connected to the second electric conductor and has the other end thereof grounded.