Wind Turbine Tachometer Signal Correction for Torque Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines with variable speed operation face challenges due to varying voltage and frequency in electricity generation, which can lead to torque disturbances if there are errors in the tachometer signal, potentially causing misalignment and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for correcting tachometer signals by determining cyclic errors and providing corrective signals to adjust torque, as well as detecting misalignment and loose coupling of the tachometer, ensuring accurate rotor position feedback and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If variable speed operation is used to enhance energy capture, then energy efficiency is improved, but voltage and frequency variation occurs leading to torque disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation by transforming raw tachometer signals into corrected signals that compensate for cyclic errors. The system adjusts the torque parameter by applying corrective signals that eliminate periodic variations, thereby maintaining torque stability while preserving variable speed operation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring tachometer signals, detecting cyclic errors, and generating corrective signals that are fed back to the torque control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates torque disturbances caused by tachometer inaccuracies while maintaining variable speed operation.
2Reliability
If tachometer signal correction is applied to eliminate torque disturbances, then torque stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism that processes tachometer signals through a dedicated error detection and correction module. This intermediary system isolates the complexity from the main torque control loop, providing stable torque output without significantly complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cyclic error component from the raw tachometer signal and handles it separately through dedicated correction logic. By separating the error detection and correction functions from the main control algorithm, the system achieves torque stability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If cyclic error detection and correction is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction factors for cyclic errors based on predetermined operating conditions. When tachometer signals are received, the system quickly retrieves and applies the appropriate correction factor without performing complex real-time calculations, thereby maintaining high measurement precision with minimal processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial correction by applying cyclic error compensation only to the necessary components of the tachometer signal rather than processing the entire signal comprehensively. This selective correction approach achieves sufficient measurement precision for torque control while minimizing processing time requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for use in monitoring a tachometer are provided. A method for use in correcting a signal from a tachometer coupled to a rotating shaft in a wind turbine includes receiving a raw tachometer signal from the tachometer coupled to a wind turbine shaft, the signal indicating the speed and/or angular position of the shaft, determining a cyclic error exists in the raw tachometer signal, and providing a corrective signal to adjust a torque within the wind turbine using the determined cyclic error.