Method for handling gearbox vibrations in a wind turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines generate structure-borne vibrations and associated noise, particularly from gear tooth meshing in the gearbox, which can exceed allowable noise limits and disturb neighbors or animal life.
Innovation Solution
A method to control generator operation by obtaining rotational speed and gearbox vibrations, determining harmonics, generating a torque modulating signal with adjusted phase and amplitude to minimize resultant vibrations, and injecting this signal into the generator to cancel out gearbox vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the wind turbine operates normally to generate power, then energy production is maintained, but noise from gear tooth meshing exceeds allowable limits and disturbs neighbors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration principles by generating a torque modulating signal that creates vibrations in the generator rotor, specifically designed to counteract and cancel the vibrations originating from gear tooth meshing in the gearbox. This vibration-based approach directly addresses the noise problem while maintaining normal power generation operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful gear tooth meshing vibrations into a beneficial effect by using active noise cancellation. The system generates counter-vibrations through torque modulation that destructively interfere with the original harmful vibrations, transforming the noise problem into a solution where the harmful vibrations are converted into a cancellation mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration cancellation is implemented through torque modulation, then noise from gear tooth meshing is reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the vibrations from gear tooth meshing and adjusting the torque modulating signal in real-time. The system measures the actual vibration levels and uses this feedback to optimize the cancellation signal, ensuring effective noise reduction while adapting to changing operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including the amplitude and phase angle of the torque modulating signal to achieve optimal vibration cancellation. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on operating conditions, the system maintains effectiveness across different power generation levels without requiring complete system redesign
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the amplitude and phase angle of torque modulating signal are continuously optimized, then vibration cancellation effectiveness is maximized, but computational resources and time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating or pre-determining optimal amplitude and phase angle values for the torque modulating signal based on expected operating conditions. This allows the system to quickly implement vibration cancellation without requiring extensive real-time optimization computations, reducing the time loss while maintaining effectiveness
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
Reduces noise emissions from the wind turbine by minimizing vibrations, providing valuable information for monitoring the condition of the turbine and enabling efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a measure for vibrations originating from gear tooth meshing of a gearbox of the wind turbine... generating a torque modulating signal for the generator... performing an optimization process including adjusting the initial phase angle and the initial amplitude in order to obtain a minimum in amplitude of a resultant vibration of vibrations originating from the gearbox and vibrations originating from the generator
Implementation Method 2
performing an optimization process including adjusting the initial phase angle and the initial amplitude in order to obtain a minimum in amplitude of a resultant vibration of vibrations originating from the gearbox and vibrations originating from the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling operation of a generator for a wind turbine is disclosed. A measure for a rotational speed of the generator, and a measure for vibrations originating from gear tooth meshing of a gearbox of the wind turbine, at the rotational speed of the generator, and at least one amplitude of a harmonic in the gearbox vibrations is determined. An initial phase angle and an initial amplitude are selected, based on the rotational speed, on initial characteristics of the wind turbine, and on the at least one amplitude of the harmonic. An optimization process is performed to obtain an adjusted phase angle and an adjusted amplitude. A torque modulating signal for the generator, specifying the adjusted phase angle and the adjusted amplitude, is generated and injected into the generator. Information regarding residual vibrations at the minimised resultant vibration is derived.