Wind Turbine Yaw System With Multi-Level Brake And Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the size of modern wind turbines increases, the forces acting on the nacelle during parked conditions have also increased, necessitating improved yaw system braking arrangements to handle these loads and prevent unwanted nacelle movement, particularly under extreme conditions without available power.
Innovation Solution
A yaw system with a plurality of mechanical brakes and a yaw drive that dynamically adjusts braking torque levels based on operational and non-operational conditions, transitioning between parked by brake and parked by motor states to maintain nacelle orientation, using a control system to manage torque thresholds and brake subsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical brakes provide high braking torque to prevent sliding under extreme conditions, then reliability is improved, but the system cannot respond quickly to changing operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into multiple independent mechanical brakes (first subset and second subset) that can be selectively activated. The first subset provides high braking torque for extreme conditions, while the second subset provides lower braking torque for normal operation, allowing the system to adapt to different operational states while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different braking states (parked by brake, parked by motor, yawing) based on real-time operational conditions. The control system adjusts which brakes are activated and at what torque levels, enabling the system to respond adaptively to changing wind conditions and operational requirements while maintaining high reliability when extreme conditions are detected.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the yaw system uses mechanical brakes to hold the nacelle in position, then the nacelle remains stationary, but the system cannot provide controlled sliding when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the braking torque parameter by selectively activating different subsets of mechanical brakes. When normal operation is detected, the second subset activates with lower torque, allowing controlled sliding. When extreme conditions are detected, the first subset activates with high torque to prevent sliding, thus adapting the stability characteristic to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors operational conditions and provides feedback to adjust the braking configuration. Based on this feedback, the system transitions between parked by brake, parked by motor, and yawing states, enabling controlled sliding when operational flexibility is needed while maintaining stability when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system transitions frequently between parked by brake and parked by motor states, then adaptability is improved, but component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system predicts operational needs and proactively transitions to appropriate braking states before extreme conditions occur. By preparing the braking system in advance and using predictive control, the system reduces unnecessary transitions and extends component life while maintaining adaptability to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a hysteresis threshold mechanism that cushions against frequent switching by requiring a sustained condition change before transitioning between parked by brake and parked by motor states. This prevents premature transitions and reduces component wear while maintaining adequate adaptability to genuine operational changes.
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
The system effectively maintains nacelle orientation under varying loads, preventing unwanted movement during normal operations and extreme conditions, while optimizing energy production and component safety.
Implementation Method 1
yaw systems include motors that move the nacelle and brakes which add friction to the movement of the nacelle to keep the nacelle from rotating
Implementation Method 2
a yaw drive configured to selectively apply torque between the tower and the nacelle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products for controlling a yaw system of a wind turbine. The yaw system includes mechanical brakes that provide a first amount of braking torque when closed. The yaw system is configured to transition from a yawing state to a parked by brake state by closing mechanical brakes in a first subset of the mechanical brakes and opening each mechanical brake in a second subset of the mechanical brakes. The second subset provides a second amount of braking torque that is less than the first amount of braking torque. In response to detecting a rotation of the nacelle while in the parked by brake state, the yaw system is configured to transition from the parked by brake state to a parked by motor state in which yaw drives are activated to provide a counter acting torque in opposition to the detected rotation of the nacelle.