Dynamic Wind Turbine Control for Turbulence-Limited Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines are susceptible to damage from extreme wind turbulences, which occur rarely but can cause high loads and reduce power generation efficiency, necessitating permanent curtailment despite infrequent events.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that dynamically adjust performance parameters like rotor speed, torque, and pitch angle based on real-time turbulence indicators to maintain safe operating conditions, preventing damage and optimizing power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wind turbine operates at maximum power generation capacity, then power output is maximized, but the wind turbine becomes susceptible to damage from extreme wind turbulences
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts performance parameters (rotor speed, torque, pitch angle) in real-time based on measured turbulence intensity. When turbulence exceeds predefined thresholds, the system automatically transitions from maximum power generation mode to protected operation mode, and can initiate shutdown procedures. This dynamic adaptation allows the wind turbine to maximize power output during calm conditions while automatically protecting itself during extreme turbulence events.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine permanently curtails operation to avoid extreme wind turbulences, then damage is prevented, but power generation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors turbulence intensity through measurements of wind speed variations and rotor load fluctuations. Based on this real-time feedback, the system compares actual turbulence levels against predefined thresholds and automatically adjusts operational parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the wind turbine to operate at full capacity during normal conditions while providing targeted protection only when turbulence exceeds safe levels, thereby maintaining high overall power generation efficiency while preventing damage.
3Reliability
If the control system continuously monitors and adjusts performance parameters, then protection from extreme wind turbulences is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system utilizes measurements already taken for normal operation control (wind speed, rotor speed, torque) to calculate turbulence intensity. By repurposing existing sensor data and computational resources, the system avoids the need for additional dedicated turbulence sensors and complex measurement infrastructure. The same control actuators used for routine operation (pitch control, torque regulation) are leveraged for turbulence protection, eliminating the need for separate protection mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for operating a wind turbine (1) operable in various operating conditions is specified, each operating condition being characterized by at least one performance parameter value, a turbulence indicator safety function being associated with the wind turbine (1) and defining maximum allowable turbulence indicator (TImax) values depending on the operating condition and a wind speed, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: A) determining the current operating condition, B) estimating the current wind speed, C) evaluating a current TImax value linked to the current operating condition and the current wind speed, D) determining a current turbulence indicator estimation (TIest) value representative of a current wind turbulence, E) comparing the current TIest value to the current TImax value, wherein, in case the current TIest value exceeds the current TImax value, the current operating condition is adapted to a safe operating condition, associated with a TImax value that is equal to or exceeds the current TIest value. Furthermore, a control device (10) for operating a wind turbine (1), a computer-implemented method (30) and a computer program product (40) are specified.