Wind Turbine Blade Pre-Tension Control for Rotor-Plane Vibrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines face challenges in effectively mitigating blade vibrations, particularly edgewise vibrations and coupled rotor vibrations within the rotor plane, which are difficult to handle with known measures like pitch control, and this increases material and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling wind turbines by adjusting pre-tension in blade connecting wires using pre-tension adjustment mechanisms based on real-time measurements of blade parameters to counteract vibrations, including edgewise loads and rotor plane vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If blade elements are trimmed to reduce vibrations, then vibration levels decrease, but power production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibrations into useful information by using vibration sensors to detect blade conditions. The vibration data is processed to identify anomalies, and corrective actions are taken that ultimately benefit power production by preventing damage and optimizing performance, thus converting the harmful vibration phenomenon into a beneficial diagnostic tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where vibration sensors continuously monitor blade vibrations, the data is processed by a control system, and adjustments are made to blade positioning or operational parameters. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to maintain optimal power production while actively managing vibration levels through real-time corrections.
2Strength
If blade vibrations are reduced through trimming, then structural load decreases, but energy capture efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic blade positioning systems that can adjust blade angles and positions in real-time based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the blades to capture maximum energy under optimal conditions while automatically reducing exposure to high-wind or high-vibration scenarios, thus maintaining both energy capture efficiency and structural integrity through adaptive behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as blade pitch angle, rotational speed, and positioning based on real-time vibration monitoring and environmental conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes energy capture during favorable conditions while reducing structural loads during adverse conditions, effectively decoupling the trade-off between energy capture and structural protection.
3Reliability
If vibration reduction measures are implemented, then blade durability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous vibration monitoring and diagnostic systems that automatically detect, analyze, and respond to vibration anomalies without requiring constant human intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis, identifies potential issues before they become critical, and automatically adjusts operational parameters to protect blade durability, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the operational complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical vibration reduction mechanisms with electronic and software-based solutions. Instead of using complex mechanical trim systems or active vibration cancellation mechanisms, the patent uses sensors, data processing algorithms, and electronic control systems to monitor and manage vibrations, thereby achieving blade protection with lower overall system complexity.
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
Effectively reduces blade and rotor vibrations through precise adjustment of pre-tension, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution that minimizes material usage and manufacturing costs while enhancing structural support among blades.
Implementation Method 1
blade vibrations
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a wind turbine (1) is disclosed. The wind turbine (1) comprises three or more wind turbine blades (4), and blade connecting wires (7), each blade connecting wire (7) extending between a connection point (8) on one wind turbine blade (4) and a connection point (8) on a neighbouring wind turbine blade (4). The wind turbine further comprises pre-tension wires (9), each pre-tension wire (9) being connected to one of the blade connecting wires (7) and to a pre-tension adjustment mechanism (10). The method comprises measuring at least one parameter of the wind turbine blades (4) of the wind turbine (1), and deriving, from the at least one measured parameter, an estimate for blade vibrations within the rotor plane of each wind turbine blade (4) and/or coupled rotor vibrations originating from the wind turbine blades (4). The pre-tension adjustment mechanism (10) is controlled based on the estimated vibrations in order to counteract the blade vibrations and/or coupled rotor vibrations.