Coordinated Control of Floating Wind Turbine Ballast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating wind turbines with active ballast systems are slow to counteract inclinations caused by various forces, leading to inefficient power generation and potential safety issues due to slow redistribution of ballast during startup and operation.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated control method between a wind turbine controller and a platform controller that shares and responds to data on wind speed, direction, yaw position, and metocean conditions to pre-emptively adjust the ballast system, ensuring the wind turbine remains vertically aligned and stable, thereby optimizing power generation and reducing the risk of emergency shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active ballast systems are used to control platform inclination, then the floating wind turbine can maintain vertical alignment, but the response speed to counteract inclination is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future inclination based on current metocean conditions and wind turbine operational state. The ballast system is pre-positioned to counteract anticipated inclination before it occurs, eliminating the delay associated with reactive ballast redistribution. This is achieved through the prediction module that continuously forecasts platform inclination based on wave conditions, wind speed, and turbine thrust.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static, slow ballast redistribution to dynamic, continuous prediction and adjustment. The prediction module continuously updates inclination forecasts based on changing metocean conditions and turbine operation, enabling the ballast system to adapt in real-time rather than responding slowly after inclination occurs.
2Productivity
If wind turbines are located offshore in deeper water on floating platforms, then suitable wind flow and reduced visual impact are achieved, but platform stability and control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively predicts platform inclination caused by wave action and wind forces before the inclination occurs. By pre-positioning ballast based on predicted conditions, the system maintains platform stability preventively rather than reactively, ensuring consistent power generation capability while operating in deep water locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The prediction module continuously monitors metocean conditions (wave height, period, direction) and wind turbine operational parameters (thrust, power output) to forecast future platform inclination. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic adjustment of ballast positioning to maintain optimal platform stability throughout changing environmental conditions.
3Productivity
If the wind turbine operates at high power output, then energy generation is maximized, but the load on the floating platform increases causing greater inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts the inclination that will result from current high-power operation and pre-positions ballast to counteract this anticipated inclination. This allows the wind turbine to operate at maximum power output without causing excessive platform inclination, as the ballast system is already prepared to balance the thrust forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The prediction module dynamically adjusts the ballast distribution parameters based on the relationship between wind turbine power output and resulting platform inclination. By changing ballast position parameters in response to varying thrust forces, the system enables sustained high-power operation while maintaining platform stability within acceptable limits.
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 coordinated control improves the efficiency and safety of floating wind turbines by maintaining optimal alignment and reducing load on the turbine, allowing for earlier and more stable power generation while minimizing the risk of inclination beyond safety limits.
Implementation Method 1
a ballast system to redistribute mass within the floating platform to counter a moment causing inclination of the floating wind turbine
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to methods, apparatus and computer program products for coordinating the control of a floating wind turbine (101) between a wind turbine controller (111) and a platform controller (110). One or more wind turbine control systems and/or one or more platform control systems may be altered based on said coordinated control of said floating wind turbine (101).