Floating Wind Turbine Platform Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upwind-type horizontal-axis wind turbines on floating platforms face issues with blade deflection and efficiency due to strong winds, which can cause damage and reduce power capture, and tilting the rotor axis does not effectively address these problems without compromising performance and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine - floating platform assembly with sensors to detect the effective rotation axis angle and wind direction, a control unit to adjust the platform orientation, and active means to control the buoyancy, allowing the rotor axis to be aligned horizontally for maximum efficiency, while also incorporating blade pitch control to manage power in high winds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the blades are made more rigid to minimize deflection, then blade safety is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the floating platform movable and adjustable in orientation. The platform can actively change its angle relative to the wind direction, dynamically compensating for blade deflection effects. This allows the use of more flexible, lighter blades while maintaining safety through active platform repositioning rather than relying solely on rigid blade structures.
2Reliability
If the rotor axis is tilted to increase clearance from the tower, then blade-tower contact is prevented, but power capture efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing an active control system that continuously adjusts the floating platform's orientation. The platform can dynamically tilt to provide blade-tower clearance when needed while returning to a horizontal position for optimal power capture when conditions permit. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between safety clearance and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the platform's orientation angle as a controllable parameter. The system can change this parameter in response to wind conditions, blade position, and operational requirements, allowing optimization of both clearance and efficiency through parameter adjustment rather than fixed geometric constraints.
3Productivity
If the platform is oriented to maximize power capture, then energy production increases, but structural loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing active control of the floating platform's orientation. The system can dynamically adjust the platform angle to optimize the balance between power capture and load management. By continuously adapting to changing wind conditions, the system can maximize energy production during favorable conditions while reducing structural loads during high-wind events through active repositioning.
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 solution maximizes wind turbine efficiency, reduces structural loads, and allows the use of longer, flexible blades, leading to increased rated power and annual energy production while minimizing costs and maintaining operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
a floating platform (1) in water, characterised in that it comprises active means (11) for controlling the platform orientation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention allows orientation of the platform (1) in order to obtain conditions of maximum efficiency in the wind turbine (16). It comprises first sensors (8) for detecting an effective rotation axis angle (δ) formed between the rotation axis (2) and a horizontal plane (24); second sensors (9) for detecting wind direction (23); platform orientation means (11) for modifying the effective rotation axis angle (δ); and at least one control unit (12) adapted for receiving a first input (13) from the first sensors (8) and a second input (14) from the second sensors (9) and, based on said inputs (13, 14), transmitting orders to the platform orientation means (11) and yaw mechanism.