Wind Turbine Lidar Control for Extreme Wind Direction Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine technologies fail to effectively detect extreme changes in wind direction, leading to potential damage and reduced lifetime due to unbalanced loads, as they are not designed to handle such conditions efficiently, resulting in over-engineering and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system for wind turbines that uses a remote sensing device, such as a Lidar, to detect extreme changes in wind direction by measuring the rate of change of wind parameters, allowing the controller to generate signals for adjusting operating parameters, such as blade pitch or yaw, to mitigate the effects of extreme direction changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wind turbines are designed to withstand extreme operating conditions as set out in IEC 61400-1, then the turbine can meet reliability requirements, but the turbine components must be considerably over-engineered which increases material usage and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a Lidar system to detect extreme wind conditions before they reach the turbine. The controller receives advance warning of incoming extreme events and proactively adjusts operating parameters or shuts down the turbine beforehand, preventing the turbine from experiencing damaging loads that would otherwise require over-engineering to withstand.
2Reliability
If advance sensing of wind conditions is implemented using Lidar or similar remote sensing apparatus, then the controller can adjust operating parameters before extreme conditions arrive, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by employing a Lidar system as a mediator between the wind conditions and the turbine controller. The Lidar detects wind conditions upstream and transmits this information to the controller, which then adjusts operating parameters. This intermediary sensing system enables advanced detection without requiring direct modification of the turbine's core mechanical components.
3Productivity
If the turbine operates at higher wind speeds to maximize energy extraction, then productivity increases, but the risk of damage from extreme conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring wind conditions with the Lidar system and using this information to adjust turbine operating parameters in real-time. When extreme conditions are detected upstream, the controller receives feedback and automatically adjusts the blade pitch angle or shuts down the turbine, preventing operation under damaging conditions while maximizing energy extraction during normal conditions.
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
Enables the detection of extreme wind direction changes, allowing for timely adjustments to prevent damage, reducing the need for over-engineered components, lowering costs, and potentially increasing energy production by allowing for lighter turbine designs or higher rated output powers.
Implementation Method 1
a device mounted on the wind turbine to sense a property of wind conditions... using a remote sensing device mounted on the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine has a Lidar device to sense wind conditions upstream of the wind turbine. Signals from the wind turbine are processed to detect an extreme change in wind direction. The detection is performed by differentiating the rate of change of wind direction and filtering for a period of time. On detection of extreme change the system controller takes the necessary evasive action which may include shutting down the turbine, commencing an immediate yawing action, and de-rating the turbine until the yawing action is complete.