Wind Turbine Rotor Thrust Control Against Counterproductive Tower Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems often implement rotor thrust reduction measures that can be counterproductive or unnecessary, leading to increased tower loads and energy loss under certain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adaptively control rotor thrust reduction based on tower load dynamics, using sensors to assess conditions and only implement thrust reduction when necessary to avoid extreme loads and optimize energy yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rotor thrust is reduced rapidly to protect against extreme loads, then rotor blade loads are reduced, but tower loads increase due to tower oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors tower oscillation parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the rotor thrust reduction strategy. By detecting the tower's dynamic state in real-time, the system can synchronize blade pitch adjustments with tower oscillation cycles, applying thrust reduction at optimal moments to protect rotor blades while minimizing negative impact on tower loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static thrust reduction commands to dynamic, time-varying control that adapts to instantaneous tower oscillation conditions. The control parameters (pitch angle, reduction magnitude, timing) are continuously adjusted based on measured tower motion, creating a dynamic control strategy that responds to changing operational conditions and optimizes the trade-off between rotor protection and tower load management.
2Reliability
If rotor thrust is reduced to avoid overloading, then mechanical stress is reduced, but energy production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying full thrust reduction whenever overload conditions are detected, the system applies partial thrust reduction only to the extent necessary to prevent overloading. By using minimal intervention principles and adjusting reduction magnitude based on actual tower response, the system maintains adequate protection while maximizing energy production during borderline conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system applies thrust reduction in a periodic manner synchronized with tower oscillation cycles rather than continuously. By timing thrust reduction to coincide with specific phases of tower motion, the system achieves protection during critical moments while allowing full thrust during safer phases, thereby maintaining higher average energy production while still preventing overloads.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (200) for operating a wind turbine, to a corresponding wind turbine (100), and to a corresponding wind park. The wind turbine (100) has a tower (102) with tower loads acting thereon and an aerodynamic rotor (106) which generates a rotor thrust. The method (200) has a step of reducing (220) the rotor thrust. The reduction of the rotor thrust is carried out while taking into consideration (210) the effect of the reduction of the rotor thrust on the tower loads. Thus, the reduction of the rotor thrust is prevented in cases which result in undesired or even counterproductive effects on the tower loads.