Dynamic Cut-in Wind Speed Determination for Wind Turbines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wind turbine operation methods rely on predefined cut-in and cut-out wind speeds, which do not account for varying air density conditions, leading to inefficient power generation and potential unnecessary startup costs.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine cut-in and cut-out wind speeds based on air density characteristics, using tables associating air density parameters with wind speed values, and considering load accumulation over time to dynamically adjust operational limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If predefined cut-in wind speed is used, then wind turbine operation is simple, but power generation efficiency is reduced due to ignoring air density variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static predefined cut-in wind speed values to dynamic determination based on real-time air density measurements. The control system continuously monitors air density and adjusts the cut-in wind speed threshold accordingly, allowing the operational parameters to adapt to changing environmental conditions rather than remaining fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the cut-in wind speed parameter based on air density variations. When air density increases, the cut-in wind speed threshold is reduced, allowing earlier startup. When air density decreases, the threshold is increased, preventing inefficient operation. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes power generation efficiency while accounting for environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If wind turbine starts up at low wind speed in low-density air, then operational frequency increases, but energy loss occurs due to insufficient energy in air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational frequencyVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously measuring air density and using this information to adjust the cut-in wind speed threshold. The control system receives feedback from air density sensors and modifies operational parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents energy loss by avoiding startup conditions where insufficient energy is available in the air

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the cut-in wind speed parameter dynamically based on air density measurements. In low-density air conditions, the cut-in wind speed is increased to ensure sufficient energy availability, preventing wasteful startups. In high-density air conditions, the threshold is lowered to capture more generation opportunities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If wind turbine operates with static cut-in and cut-out wind speeds, then control is simple, but operational adaptability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the cut-in and cut-out wind speed thresholds dynamic rather than static. The control system continuously adapts these parameters based on real-time air density measurements, enabling the wind turbine to adjust its operational window to match current environmental conditions rather than following fixed predetermined values

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2840257B1Method of determining a cut-in wind speed
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 ALSTOM RENOVABLES ESPANA
  • EP2840257B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2840257B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2840257B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of determining a cut-in wind speed for starting up a wind turbine. This method comprises determining a characteristic indicative of the air density, and determining the cut-in wind speed depending on the determined air density characteristic.