Thrust-Based Wind Turbine Wake Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind farms face efficiency losses due to the adverse effects of upstream turbine wakes on downstream turbines, with existing yaw-based steering methods being marginally effective and difficult to adjust quickly enough to maximize energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for thrust-based wind turbine wake control, utilizing a processor and computer-usable medium to adjust rotor speed and yaw to confine the wake within a desired location range, incorporating machine learning and data from simulations and experiments to optimize wake trajectory and mitigate adverse loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If yaw-based steering control is used to adjust turbine yaw to avoid wake, then wake avoidance is attempted, but the adjustment speed is too slow to keep up with wind direction changes, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static yaw-based control to dynamic thrust-based control. The system dynamically adjusts rotor thrust in real-time based on measured wake position and wind conditions, enabling the turbine to respond quickly to changing wind directions without the mechanical inertia limitations of yaw adjustment. This dynamic approach allows the wake avoidance capability to adapt at the speed of electronic control rather than mechanical rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from yaw angle to rotor thrust. By modulating the rotor thrust parameter through variable speed control and blade pitch adjustment, the system achieves wake steering without changing the physical orientation of the turbine. This parameter substitution enables much faster response times since thrust can be adjusted electronically rather than mechanically repositioning the entire rotor assembly.
2Productivity
If multiple turbines are placed in proximity to form a wind farm, then economies of scale and consistent wind utilization are achieved, but upstream turbine wakes reduce downstream turbine power generation by 10-20%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful wake effect into a beneficial control mechanism. By intentionally generating controlled wakes from upstream turbines and steering them away from downstream turbines using thrust modulation, the system transforms what was previously a passive harmful byproduct into an active tool for wake management. This allows the wind farm to maintain high turbine density while minimizing the energy loss to downstream turbines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system that continuously measures wake position using LIDAR or other sensing, compares it to the desired position, and adjusts rotor thrust accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of wake trajectories, allowing the system to dynamically compensate for changing wind conditions and maintain maximum power generation across the entire wind farm.
3Ease of operation
If rotor speed is adjusted to control wake trajectory, then wake position can be confined to desired location, but additional control complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing rotor speed control system multi-functional. The same variable speed drive and blade pitch mechanisms that control power generation are also used for wake steering. By making the control system universal, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated wake control hardware, thereby reducing the net increase in system complexity while achieving precise wake position control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the turbine's own operational parameters (rotor speed, blade pitch) to control both power generation and wake trajectory simultaneously. Rather than requiring external dedicated control systems, the turbine serves its own dual functions of energy production and wake management through integrated control algorithms that coordinate these functions, reducing overall system complexity.
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 effectively maximizes wind farm efficiency by stabilizing wake trajectories and reducing adverse loads on turbines, enhancing power output, especially during low wind speeds, and allowing for increased turbine density without impacting downstream turbines.
Implementation Method 1
As fluid propels the blades of a turbine, the fluid exiting creates a wake
Implementation Method 2
adjusting a speed of a rotor associated with the wind turbine; adjusting a pitch of blades associated with the wind turbine
Implementation Method 3
confining a real-time position of the wind wake to the desired location range of the wind wake
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus for improving wind harvest efficiency comprises: a wind turbine, a processor, and a computer-usable medium embodying computer code, said computer-usable medium being coupled to said processor, said computer code comprising non-transitory instruction media executable by said processor configured for: setting a desired location range of a wind wake with a controller, determining an error signal indicative of a difference between a currently measured cross-stream thrust component of wind and an optimal cross-stream thrust component of wind, adjusting a speed of a rotor associated with the wind turbine according to the error signal, and confining a real-time position of the wind wake to the desired location range of the wind wake.