Converging Doppler Beam Sources for 3D Wind Velocity Field Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Doppler anemometry systems for wind turbines can only sample radial wind velocity at a single point, leading to degradation of information resolution and inability to measure three-dimensional wind velocity fields accurately due to assumptions of uniformity and averaging, resulting in increased measurement errors and power losses from yaw misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A new system using spatially separated Doppler beam sources mounted on the wind turbine's nacelle, rotor hub, or blades that converge at a measurement point to enable three-dimensional wind velocity sampling, allowing for direct measurement of orthogonal wind velocity components and improved accuracy by employing scanning techniques and converging beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If present nacelle mounted Doppler anemometry systems are used, then radial line of sight wind velocity at a given point can be measured, but three-dimensional wind velocity field measurement is degraded due to assumptions of uniformity and averaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wind velocity measurement into multiple orthogonal components (at least three) measured by spatially separated beam sources. Each beam source measures a specific velocity component, and the results are combined to reconstruct the full three-dimensional wind velocity field, eliminating the need for uniformity assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from measuring only the radial line of sight velocity component to measuring three-dimensional wind velocity fields by introducing spatial separation of beam sources and measuring multiple orthogonal components, adding dimensional information to the measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If divergent beams are used to collect wind velocity component information, then multiple velocity components can be measured, but measurements are taken at widely separated points leading to spatial averaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures that all beam sources measure velocity components at the same localized measurement point in space, rather than at widely separated points. This local measurement approach eliminates spatial averaging and provides high-resolution wind velocity field data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses spatially separated beam sources that converge at a common measurement point to measure multiple orthogonal velocity components, transitioning from single-component radial measurement to multi-component three-dimensional velocity field measurement at the same location.
3Measurement precision
If turbulence intensity is measured with velocity components sampled at displaced points, then standard deviation can be calculated, but measurement error increases due to spatial extension of data population
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the turbulence measurement into multiple orthogonal velocity components measured simultaneously at the same point by spatially separated beam sources. This segmentation allows calculation of standard deviation from co-located measurements, preserving spatial coherence and reducing measurement error.
4Device complexity
If single-point radial velocity sampling is used, then system complexity is reduced, but yaw control accuracy deteriorates due to inability to measure three-dimensional wind field
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wind field measurement into multiple orthogonal components measured by spatially separated beam sources, enabling accurate three-dimensional wind velocity field characterization for improved yaw control while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular beam source architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point radial velocity sampling to three-dimensional wind velocity field measurement by using spatially separated beam sources to measure multiple orthogonal components, providing the dimensional information needed for accurate yaw control.
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 provides more accurate and detailed measurements of wind velocity fields, enhancing wind turbine control, reducing power losses, and enabling effective load management and predictive control by characterizing future wind conditions and improving yaw alignment.
Implementation Method 1
Doppler velocimetry measurement of a fluid velocity field
Implementation Method 2
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Doppler anemometry systems may employ range gated, pulsed laser beams or alternatively focused continuous wave (CW) laser beams
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of three-dimensional Doppler velocimetry applicable to turbines such as wind turbines achieves improved velocimetry by use of various possible convergent beam geometries and employing beam sources mounted on the turbine such as on a wind turbine nacelle, rotor hub or rotor blades.