Multi-Rotor Wind Turbine Partial Operation Load Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-rotor wind turbines operating in a partial state experience unequal thrust forces, leading to higher than normal loads and reduced operational lifetime due to increased loading and fatigue on the support structure and yaw mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system to monitor and manage the cumulative operation of multi-rotor wind turbines in partial operating states, restricting operation when thresholds of time, loading, or other parameters are exceeded to mitigate wear and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wind turbine operates in a partial operating state to maintain power production when one energy generating unit is non-operational, then power production is maintained, but the operational lifespan is reduced due to increased loading and fatigue on the support structure and yaw mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts yaw mechanism operation based on real-time monitoring of cumulative operation parameters. When operating in partial state, the system actively manages yaw movements to stay within thresholds, transitioning between active yaw correction and restricted operation modes to balance power production with structural protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors cumulative yaw mechanism operation and support structure loading during partial operation, comparing against predetermined thresholds. When thresholds are approached, the system provides feedback to restrict further yaw movements or transition to full/non-operating states, preventing excessive fatigue accumulation
2Productivity
If the wind turbine operates in a partial operating state with unequal thrust forces from different energy generating units, then power production is maintained from operational units, but higher than normal loads are imposed on the support structure and yaw mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The control system actively compensates for thrust force imbalance by monitoring the asymmetric loading conditions during partial operation. When one energy generating unit is non-operational, the system adjusts yaw mechanism operation to counteract the unequal thrust forces, reducing the net asymmetric load on the support structure while maintaining power production from operational units
3Reliability
If the wind turbine restricts operation in partial operating state to protect the support structure and yaw mechanism, then operational lifespan is extended, but power production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the cumulative yaw mechanism operation thresholds based on actual wear and loading conditions. This allows flexible modification of operation restrictions to extend lifespan when necessary while permitting increased power production when conditions allow, optimizing the trade-off between reliability and productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-rotor wind turbine, as well as a method, a control system, and a computer program product for controlling the multi-rotor wind turbine are disclosed. The wind turbine includes a plurality of energy generating units, and can be operated in a full operating state, a partial operating state, or a non-operating state. When the wind turbine is operating in the partial operating state, or conditions are right for switching operation to the partial operating state, a cumulative amount of operation of the wind turbine in the partial operating state is determined. If the cumulative amount of operation in the partial operating state is below a partial operation threshold, the wind turbine is allowed to operate in the partial operating state. If the cumulative amount of operation in the partial operating state is above the partial operation threshold, the wind turbine is restricted from operating in the partial operating state.