Energy Conversion Control for Loss-Aware Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy conversion devices, such as wind and tidal turbines, face inefficiencies due to the focus on maximizing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic efficiency alone, which neglects mechanical and electrical losses, leading to sub-optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A global optimization approach that minimizes mechanical and electrical losses in addition to aerodynamic or hydrodynamic efficiency to determine optimal operating parameters, using techniques like least squares, genetic algorithms, and simulated annealing to adjust operational variables and control the energy conversion device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If aerodynamic or hydrodynamic efficiency is maximised alone, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but mechanical and electrical losses are neglected leading to sub-optimal overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines aerodynamic/hydrodynamic efficiency optimisation with mechanical and electrical loss minimisation into a unified global optimisation framework. The control system simultaneously considers multiple loss sources (aerodynamic, mechanical, electrical) and integrates them into a single objective function that maximises overall system efficiency rather than optimising each component separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters (rotor speed, generator torque, pitch angle) based on real-time conditions to minimise total losses. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than maintaining fixed optimal values, the system achieves reduced mechanical and electrical losses while maintaining good aerodynamic performance.
2Productivity
If global optimisation considering mechanical and electrical losses is implemented, then overall efficiency is improved, but computational complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements continuous feedback loops that monitor actual operating conditions (wind speed, rotor speed, generator output, loss measurements) and adjust control parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the complex global optimisation to be executed dynamically, with the control system receiving feedback on efficiency metrics and automatically adjusting operations to maintain optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimisation approach transitions from static pre-calculated curves to dynamic real-time optimisation. The system continuously adapts operating parameters based on current conditions, allowing the control strategy to respond to changing wind patterns, load demands, and system state, thereby achieving higher overall efficiency despite increased computational requirements.
3Loss of energy
If conventional aerodynamic optimisation curves are used, then aerodynamic efficiency is maximised, but overall system efficiency is sub-optimal due to unaccounted losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces loss measurement and analysis as an intermediary layer between aerodynamic control and final performance evaluation. By measuring and quantifying mechanical and electrical losses separately, the system creates a comprehensive efficiency model that accounts for all energy conversion stages, enabling more accurate overall efficiency assessment and targeted optimisation of each loss source.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and associated apparatus for determining at least one parameter of an energy conversion device, the method comprising determining one or more losses associated with the energy conversion device; determining at least one parameter of the energy conversion device by improving, varying, optimising or maximising at least one operational variable and/or output of the energy conversion device (such as a power output of the energy conversion device) by reducing, minimising or optimising the one or more losses or a function thereof; and determining a value, range or function of at least one parameter of the energy conversion device (such as a power or torque curve) associated with, or that results in, the improvement, variation, optimisation or maximisation of the at least one operational variable (e.g. power output) and/or output of the energy conversion device and/or that results in the reduction, minimisation or optimisation of the one or more losses.