Wind Turbine Rotor-Section Pitch Control via LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wind turbines face challenges in managing extreme loads on blades, towers, and other components due to varying wind conditions, often resulting in undesired fatigue or damage, as current control systems are either too conservative or inadequate in responding to turbulence levels.
Innovation Solution
A control system that divides the rotor plane into predefined sections, using LIDAR technology to measure wind properties ahead of the rotor and adjust blade pitch angles proactively based on expected wind conditions in each section, thereby optimizing energy capture and reducing the risk of extreme loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional control systems are used to maximize power extraction, then energy production is improved, but extreme loads on blades and components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system measures wind properties in advance before the wind reaches the rotor plane, allowing the control system to proactively adjust blade pitch angles to prevent extreme loads before they occur, rather than reacting after loads have already impacted the turbine
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor plane is divided into multiple predefined sections, and the LIDAR measures wind properties in corresponding sections ahead of the rotor. This segmentation allows for localized pitch angle adjustments in specific rotor sections based on expected wind conditions in each section, enabling precise control to maximize energy capture while minimizing extreme loads
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conservative control strategies are applied to reduce loads, then component lifespan is improved, but energy production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By measuring wind properties in advance using LIDAR and proactively adjusting pitch angles before extreme wind conditions reach the rotor, the system can maintain aggressive energy capture during normal conditions while preventing damage during turbulent conditions, thereby extending component lifespan without significantly reducing overall energy production
Solution Approach 2:
Different pitch angles are applied to different sections of the rotor plane based on localized wind conditions measured by LIDAR. This allows the system to optimize energy capture in sections with favorable wind conditions while applying protective pitch angles in sections expecting turbulent conditions, balancing energy production and component protection
3Reliability
If individual blade pitching is implemented to reduce extreme loads, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical load reduction mechanisms with an aerodynamic control approach using LIDAR-based wind measurement and pitch angle adjustment. This substitution achieves load reduction through intelligent control rather than mechanical means, managing complexity through software and sensing rather than additional mechanical components
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 approach allows for more precise control of blade pitch angles, enhancing energy capture while minimizing exposure to damaging loads, thereby extending the lifespan of wind turbine components and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device configured to measure one or more properties of wind in a plurality of predefined sections of a plane in front of the rotor plane
Implementation Method 2
The LIDAR unit is configured to determine wind properties ahead of a rotor plane of the wind turbine by measuring backscattered light from aerosols
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to controlling a wind turbine comprising blades attached to a rotor hub for rotation in a rotor plane and a control system for individually pitching the blades relative to the hub. The rotor plane s divided into a plurality of predefined section, wherein each section has an associated pitch reference value. A light detection and ranging device may be used to determine expected properties of wind in each respective section of the rotor plane so that the pitch reference value may be adjusted accordingly.