LiDAR Wind Measurement for Turbine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine measurement systems, such as nacelle anemometers and ground-based LIDAR systems, are inaccurate due to rotor interference and complex to set up, making it difficult to obtain undisturbed wind speed and direction measurements essential for optimal wind turbine operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a wind measurement area above the rotor surface using a LIDAR system or similar technology to record wind state variables like speed and direction, which are then extrapolated to the rotor windward area, minimizing rotor influence and allowing for undisturbed measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a nacelle anemometer with wind vane is used to measure wind speed and direction, then the measurement device is simple and inexpensive, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to rotor interference and limited measurement location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring wind speed at a single point (nacelle location) to measuring wind speed across a two-dimensional area in front of the rotor using LiDAR technology. This dimensional expansion allows capturing the wind field distribution before rotor interference, significantly improving measurement accuracy while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical nacelle anemometer with optical LiDAR technology for wind speed measurement. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact and rotor interference issues, enabling non-contact measurement of the wind field in front of the rotor with higher precision
2Measurement precision
If ground-based LiDAR systems are used to measure wind speed in front of the rotor, then measurement accuracy improves, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LiDAR wind measurement system with the wind turbine's existing nacelle structure and control systems. By integrating the measurement function into the turbine itself rather than using separate ground-based systems, the patent achieves high measurement accuracy while reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the wind turbine to serve multiple functions: power generation, self-measurement of wind conditions, and self-control. The LiDAR system mounted on the nacelle enables the turbine to measure its own incoming wind field, eliminating the need for separate external measurement infrastructure
3Measurement precision
If LiDAR is aligned with the area directly in front of the rotor to measure wind speed, then the measurement location is optimal, but the rotor influence on wind speed makes accurate measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures wind speed in the area directly in front of the rotor where the wind field has not yet been disturbed by rotor rotation. By capturing wind parameters before the rotor interacts with them, the system obtains accurate baseline measurements that reflect the true incoming wind 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
This approach provides more accurate and unadulterated wind data, enabling better wind field characterization and control of wind turbines, especially in wind farms, by accounting for local weather phenomena and reducing loads on the rotor.
Implementation Method 1
A method involves a wind measurement area above the rotor surface using a LIDAR system or similar technology to record wind state variables like speed and direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting at least one wind status variable (V1, V2, V3, V4) by means of the wind turbine (100), wherein the wind turbine (100) has a rotor with multiple rotor blades and said rotor blades cover a rotor sweep (304) with the rotation of the rotor, comprising the following steps: detecting at least one wind measurement value (V5,V6, V7) in a wind measuring region (301), wherein the wind measuring region (310) is determined as a region above the rotor sweep (304); and determining at least one wind status variable (V1, V2, V3, V4) in a rotor windward region (302) according to the at least one detected wind measurement value (V5, V6, V7), wherein the rotor windward region (200) is determined as a region in front of the rotor sweep (RA).