Wind Turbine Nacelle Alignment Correction Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning wind turbines do not accurately determine windward wind speeds, leading to suboptimal power generation due to the influence of rotor blades and turbulence, as they rely on leeward wind measurements without proper correction.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine a correction function by measuring leeward wind speeds and directions, using a model to relate these to windward wind speeds, allowing for precise alignment of the nacelle to maximize power generation by accounting for rotor-induced wind direction changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wind direction is measured on the leeward side of the rotor using an anemotropometer, then the measurement location is convenient and accessible, but the measured wind direction is distorted by rotor-induced turbulence and spin effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism by measuring both leeward and windward wind directions and using these measurements to calculate a correction value. This correction value acts as a mediator that compensates for the distortion caused by placing the sensor on the leeward side, thereby recovering the accurate upwind wind direction despite the inconvenient measurement location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of both leeward and windward wind directions before final alignment control. These preliminary measurements are used to pre-calculate correction values that are then applied during the alignment process, ensuring that the nacelle is oriented correctly relative to the true upwind direction before power generation begins
2Device complexity
If a constant compensation value is added to the measured wind direction to achieve desired nacelle orientation, then the alignment process is simplified, but the precision of windward wind speed determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static constant compensation approach to a dynamic correction approach. Instead of using a fixed compensation value, the system continuously calculates correction values based on real-time measurements of both leeward and windward wind directions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain simplicity in control logic while significantly improving the precision of windward wind speed determination across varying operating conditions
3Device complexity
If the nacelle is oriented perpendicular to the incoming wind at hub height, then the control system is simplified, but maximum power generation is not achieved due to wind speed variation with height and rotor blade exposure to different airflow directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from a simple perpendicular orientation based on hub height wind direction to a corrected orientation based on upwind wind direction determined through the dual-anemometer measurement and correction methodology. This parameter change accounts for wind speed variation with height and the three-dimensional airflow patterns around the rotor, enabling maximum power generation while maintaining relatively simple control system architecture
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (100) for determining a correction function (v) for a wind turbine (10), a method (200) and a system (1) for determining an orientation correction function (f) for a nacelle (11) of a wind turbine (10), and a method (300) for operating a wind turbine (10). A power output (P) of the wind turbine (10), a leeward wind direction (µ), and a leeward wind speed (WSb) are measured, with a plurality of measurements being recorded over a specific period. The measured values of the power output (P) and the leeward wind direction (µ) are assigned to at least one wind speed bin (j) of the leeward wind speed (WSb) corrected by a correction function (v) based on the times at which the measurements were recorded.A model function (m) for a relationship between the power measure (P) and the leeward wind direction (µ) for the at least one wind speed bin (j) is determined, and an alignment correction function (f) for a target alignment of the nacelle (11) relative to the measured leeward wind direction (µ) is determined based on the model function (m), wherein the alignment correction function (f) satisfies a predetermined criterion with respect to the determined model function (m) for the at least one wind speed bin (j). The determined alignment correction function (f) is output.