Wind Turbine Control Path Fault Isolation Using Test Pulse Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately identifying electrical failures in wind turbine generator control systems is challenging due to the complexity of determining whether faults lie with sensors, control units, or cables connecting them.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sending a test pulse through the signal path, measuring current, and determining input and output statuses to identify the nature of electrical failures, using a diagnostic apparatus with a pulse generator, pulse detector, current measurement device, and status determination circuitry to diagnose faults in control units, transducers, and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fault detection methods are used in wind turbine control systems, then the system can detect that a fault has occurred, but it cannot accurately identify the nature or location of the electrical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing continuous monitoring of current consumption and test pulse transmission through signal paths before actual failures occur. The system proactively detects abnormal current patterns and transmission failures, enabling early identification of electrical faults in sensors, actuators, or cables before they cause turbine shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring current consumption in different signal paths and comparing it against expected values. When deviations are detected, the system provides feedback about the specific nature and location of the fault (e.g., sensor failure, actuator failure, cable break), enabling precise fault identification rather than generic fault detection.
2Measurement precision
If the control system monitors all signal paths continuously to identify exact fault locations, then fault identification accuracy improves, but the complexity and cost of the diagnostic apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control system into discrete signal paths, each with its own current consumption characteristics. By segmenting the diagnostic approach into individual sensor and actuator circuits, the system can identify faults in specific components without requiring complex system-wide analysis. Each signal path is monitored independently through its current draw and test pulse transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using the existing current consumption characteristics of each component as its own diagnostic signature. Each sensor and actuator naturally draws a specific current that serves as its identification signature, eliminating the need for additional complex diagnostic hardware. The system uses these inherent electrical characteristics to self-diagnose faults.
3Productivity
If electrical failures are not accurately identified, then the wind turbine can remain operational longer, but downtime increases when failures do occur due to difficulty in diagnosing the problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring current consumption and test pulse transmission before failures cause turbine shutdowns. The system maintains readiness to detect faults by constantly measuring electrical characteristics, so when a failure occurs, the diagnostic information is already available or can be obtained immediately, minimizing diagnostic time and maximizing turbine availability.
4Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple measurement parameters (current, test pulse detection, input/output status) to identify faults, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a unified diagnostic approach. The current measurement device, test pulse transmission, and input/output status monitoring are combined into an integrated system that evaluates all parameters simultaneously. By merging these measurements and comparing them against expected values, the system achieves high diagnostic accuracy without requiring complex separate analysis of each parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting electrical failures in a wind turbine generator control system is described. The method comprises sending a test pulse through a signal path within the control system and detecting the test pulse once it has passed through the signal path, measuring a current through the signal path, and determining an input status and/or an output status of the signal path. Then, the nature of the electrical failure is identified based on a combination of the detected test pulse, the measured current and the determined input status and/or output status of the signal path.