Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Load Estimation via Computational Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for estimating rotor blade loads in wind turbines are prone to inaccuracies and require complex, expensive sensor installations, and existing control strategies may not effectively manage fluctuating loads caused by environmental conditions, leading to potential turbine component failure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize existing hardware and software to measure and estimate rotor blade loads by calculating out-of-plane and in-plane forces and moments based on operating parameters, including thrust, power, speed, and pitch angle, using sensors and a processor to determine application points and integrate forces along the blade span, thereby calculating the blade root resultant moment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If new sensor systems are installed to measure loads acting on wind turbine components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing sensor measurements (thrust, power, speed, pitch angle) to create a computational model that copies the load measurement function. Instead of installing new load sensors, the system creates a virtual copy of load measurement through mathematical modeling and data processing of readily available operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor system with a computational approach. Physical load sensors are substituted by an algorithmic system that calculates loads from other measured parameters, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement devices while maintaining measurement capability.
2Device complexity
If existing control strategies estimate loads based on thrust and operating conditions, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load estimation into distinct components: out-of-plane forces, in-plane forces, and their respective moments. By breaking down the complex load calculation into manageable segments and processing each separately, the system achieves higher precision while maintaining computational efficiency and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the estimation by determining application points of forces along the blade span, adding a spatial dimension to the calculation. This dimensional enhancement transforms simple force estimates into accurate moment calculations, significantly improving measurement precision without adding physical complexity.
3Reliability
If sensors are installed to provide accurate load information, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation and maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing sensors and control systems to provide load estimation services. The wind turbine's own operational sensors (thrust, power, speed, pitch angle) serve the dual purpose of both control and load measurement, eliminating the need for separate measurement infrastructure and simplifying operation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing sensors multi-functional by using them for both turbine control and load estimation. The same sensors that monitor turbine operation for control purposes also provide data for accurate load calculation, maximizing the utility of existing components and eliminating additional installation requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present subject matter is directed to a method for estimating rotor blade loads, e.g. a blade root resultant moment, of a wind turbine. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring, via one or more sensors, a plurality of operating parameters of the wind turbine. Another step includes estimating out-of-plane and in- plane forces acting on the rotor blade based at least partially on the plurality of operating parameters. Further, the method includes determining an application point for the out-of-plane and in-plane forces along a span of the rotor blade. A further step includes estimating out-of-plane and in-plane moments of the rotor blade based at least partially on the out-of-plane and in-plane forces and the respective application points. Thus, the method includes calculating the load acting on the rotor blade based at least partially on the out-of-plane and in-plane moments.