Wind Turbine Nacelle Yaw Control Using Torque Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of wind power generation is compromised due to inaccurate wind direction measurement by anemoscopes located downwind of the blades, as the wind reaching them may be turbulent or redirected, leading to misalignment of the nacelle's rotational position.
Innovation Solution
A controller system utilizing torque information sensors to adjust the nacelle's position based on torque measurements, combined with speed and misalignment angle calculations, and electromagnetic and friction brakes to optimize alignment and power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an anemoscope is installed on the nacelle to measure wind direction, then the nacelle can be adjusted to align with the wind direction, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates because the anemoscope is located downwind of the blades and measures turbulent or redirected wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces torque information sensors as an intermediary measurement method. Instead of directly measuring wind direction with an anemoscope on the nacelle, the system measures the torque generated on the nacelle by the wind acting on the blades. This torque measurement indirectly reflects the actual wind conditions affecting power generation, providing more accurate alignment information than direct wind direction measurement at the nacelle location.
2Ease of operation
If the nacelle rotational position is adjusted based on anemoscope measurements, then the nacelle can be oriented toward the measured wind direction, but the power generation efficiency deteriorates due to misalignment caused by inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where torque information sensors continuously monitor the torque on the nacelle, and the controller adjusts the nacelle rotational position based on this feedback. The system compares the measured torque with expected torque values for optimal alignment and automatically adjusts the nacelle orientation to maximize power generation efficiency, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes performance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple torque information sensors are installed on bolts connecting the nacelle to the gear mechanism, then the torque measurement accuracy improves through statistical calculation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the torque measurement function into multiple independent sensor units installed on different bolts. Each sensor measures torque locally at its bolt position, and the controller statistically processes these segmented measurements to derive the overall nacelle torque. This segmentation approach improves measurement accuracy by capturing spatial variations in torque distribution while allowing modular sensor installation.
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
Enhances the accuracy of wind power generation by aligning the nacelle with the wind direction, improving efficiency and power output.
Implementation Method 1
the information about the torque may be strain in a bolt for connecting the nacelle to the gear mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic brake being configured to use an electromagnetic force to apply a braking force to an output shaft of the motor
Implementation Method 3
the friction brake being configured to use a fluid pressure to apply a braking force to rotation of the nacelle relative to the tower
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller (600) for controlling a wind power generation device (100) including a tower (110) and a nacelle (160) includes: a processing circuit (501) configured to control a motor (60) for rotating the nacelle relative to the tower; and a torque information sensor (21) for sensing information about a torque acting from the nacelle to a gear mechanism (200), the gear mechanism connecting the tower and the nacelle so as to be capable of relative rotation. The processing circuit drives the motor based on a sensing value of the torque information sensor.