Wind Turbine Blade Validation Using Individual Power Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for validating the impact of rotor blade add-ons on wind turbine performance are hindered by seasonal fluctuations in power curves, making it difficult to quantify the effects of these add-ons on annual energy production, and thus, there is a need for a more accurate method to validate the performance of rotor blades and modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving individual blade power determination using load analysis, wind speed variation across the rotor area, and repeated measurements under varying conditions to accurately assess the performance of each rotor blade, allowing for precise validation of blade modifications and comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power curve measurements are taken over 2-3 months to validate rotor blade add-ons, then the measurement period is sufficient to capture performance data, but seasonal fluctuations of 1-2% of annual energy production mask the 0.2-0.5% performance gains from add-ons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total power curve measurement into individual blade power measurements. By measuring the power contribution of each blade separately using load sensors at the blade roots, the system can isolate the effect of add-ons on specific blades from seasonal variations affecting the entire turbine. This segmentation allows validation of add-on performance without being masked by seasonal fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring and recording individual blade power data throughout operation. Instead of waiting for seasonal cycles to complete before analyzing add-on effects, the system accumulates blade-specific performance data in real-time, enabling early validation of add-on effectiveness independent of seasonal power curve variations.
2Measurement precision
If individual blade power determination is implemented, then the impact of add-ons can be accurately measured, but the device complexity and measurement system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses load sensors at the blade roots as intermediary devices to indirectly measure individual blade power. Instead of directly measuring power at each blade, the sensors measure loads (forces and moments) at the blade roots, which are then processed to determine individual blade power contributions. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement while using readily available sensor technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical power measurement systems with a combination of load sensors and computational processing. Instead of complex mechanical dynamometers on each blade, the system uses strain gauges and load cells at the blade roots combined with aerodynamic modeling to calculate individual blade power, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for validating a wind turbine or a component of the wind turbine, wherein the wind turbine has an aerodynamic rotor with several rotor blades sweeping over a rotor area, wherein each rotor blade has a blade root with a blade root area and is adjustable in its blade angle;and for at least one of the rotor blades, an individual blade power capability and/or an individual blade power is determined from recorded operating data of the wind turbine, wherein the individual blade power capability describes the ability of a rotor blade to convert power from wind into partial rotational power for turning the rotor, and the individual blade power denotes a power in terms of height that the respective rotor blade converts from the wind into partial rotational power for turning the rotor, such that a sum of the individual blade powers of all rotor blades of the rotor results in a total rotational power of the rotor.