LIDAR Wind Direction Determination Using Spherical Cubature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbine control systems lack the capability to accurately and efficiently determine wind direction in real-time, particularly at the rotor plane, which is crucial for optimizing power production and minimizing structural stress, due to limitations in existing measurement techniques such as anemometers and LIDAR sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a LIDAR sensor to measure wind speed components and employing a spherical cubature approximation to determine wind direction in real-time, by converting radial wind speed measurements into longitudinal and transverse components and applying a Gaussian distribution for precise direction estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR sensor is used to measure wind field, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical anemometers with optical LIDAR sensors to measure wind speed. The LIDAR system uses laser beams and light scattering principles to detect wind velocity without moving mechanical parts, thereby improving measurement precision while the signal processing algorithms handle the complexity of data interpretation.
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR sensor is positioned on ground or sea, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional calibration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of the LIDAR sensor during the initial setup phase, storing the calibration parameters in the controller. Once calibrated, the system operates autonomously without requiring repeated calibration steps, thereby reducing time loss during operational phases while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If Monte Carlo method is used to determine wind direction, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to calculation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid approach where a simplified wind direction determination algorithm provides real-time responses for immediate control actions, while the Monte Carlo method is applied selectively for verification and refined estimation when computational resources are available. This partial application of the computationally intensive method maintains reliability without sacrificing real-time productivity.
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 enables reliable, real-time determination of wind direction, reducing structural loads and optimizing energy recovery by providing accurate wind data for turbine control, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR is a remote sensing or optical measurement technology based on analyzing the properties of a beam reflected back to its emitter. This method is used, in particular, to determine the distance to an object using a pulsed laser.
Implementation Method 2
LIDAR is a remote sensing or optical measurement technology based on analyzing the properties of a beam reflected back to its emitter.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining wind direction using a LIDAR sensor (2). For this method, measurements are taken using the LIDAR sensor (2), a Gaussian distribution of the longitudinal (u) and transverse (v) components of the wind speed is deduced, and then the wind direction (θ) is determined using a spherical cubature approximation method and the Gaussian distribution of the longitudinal and transverse components of the wind speed.