Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Heating Control via Virtual Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling rotor blade heating devices in wind turbines are inefficient due to high maintenance costs and reliability issues associated with temperature sensors, and they fail to precisely manage energy consumption and prevent icing and overheating.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the current rotor blade temperature using predefined characteristic variables and operating parameters, eliminating the need for temperature sensors by assuming a temperature starting value and calculating temperature changes, thereby activating or deactivating the heating device based on calculated conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed on the rotor blade surface to measure current temperature, then the rotor blade heating device can be activated and deactivated based on measured temperature, but the installation expenditure and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual temperature model that copies and simulates the actual temperature behavior of the rotor blade. Instead of physically measuring temperature with sensors, the system calculates a virtual temperature value based on environmental parameters (ambient temperature, wind speed, humidity) and blade characteristics, thereby avoiding the need for physical temperature sensors while maintaining accurate temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical temperature sensing system with a computational model. The virtual temperature calculation substitutes physical temperature measurement devices, using mathematical relationships between environmental parameters and blade temperature to determine when heating is needed, thus eliminating complex sensor installation and maintenance
2Reliability
If the rotor blade heating device is continuously activated to prevent icing, then reliable de-icing is achieved, but energy consumption increases and overheating risk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism using virtual temperature monitoring. The system continuously calculates the virtual temperature of the rotor blade and compares it against threshold values to determine when heating is required. This closed-loop control activates the heating device only when the virtual temperature indicates icing risk, and deactivates it when the threshold is exceeded, thereby maintaining reliable de-icing while minimizing energy consumption and preventing overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic temperature threshold adjustment based on environmental conditions. The virtual temperature calculation adapts to changing ambient temperature, wind speed, and humidity conditions, allowing the heating control strategy to dynamically adjust its aggressiveness. This enables the system to be more aggressive heating when conditions warrant it (ensuring reliability) and more conservative when conditions are favorable (reducing energy consumption)
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are arranged on the rotor blade surface to monitor different points, then comprehensive temperature monitoring is achieved, but the installation and maintenance expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual temperature model that serves multiple monitoring functions simultaneously. A single computational model calculates virtual temperatures that represent the thermal state of the entire rotor blade or different regions of interest, eliminating the need for multiple physical sensors. This universal model provides comprehensive temperature distribution information through calculation rather than physical measurement, maintaining monitoring capability while avoiding the complexity of installing and maintaining multiple sensors
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 simplifies the configuration of wind turbines, reduces energy consumption, and ensures reliable de-icing and anti-icing while avoiding overheating, with improved accuracy and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor blade heating device is arranged on a rotor blade (20) of the rotor (16)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wind turbine includes determining a current temperature of a rotor blade and activating and deactivating a rotor blade heating device in dependence upon the determined current temperature. The current temperature is determined by assuming a temperature starting value and calculating a change in temperature taking into account at least one predefined characteristic variable for the temperature behavior of the rotor blade and at least one operating parameter of the wind turbine.