Wind Turbine Tower Oscillation Damping via Converter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for damping wind turbine tower oscillations are complex and ineffective in addressing side-side oscillations, which are not adequately reduced by existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring acceleration values using accelerometers to determine frequency values of tower oscillation modes, particularly the second mode, and controlling a converter to generate a counteracting torque by modulating power output with a phase-shifted and amplitude-adjusted power reference signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional active damping methods are used for tower oscillations, then fore-aft oscillations can be effectively damped, but side-side oscillations are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The converter system is designed to handle multiple oscillation modes (both fore-aft and side-side) through a unified control approach. The method monitors acceleration values and determines frequency values for multiple tower oscillation modes, then controls the converter to counteract all identified modes, making the system versatile across different oscillation types rather than specialized for just one mode
2Reliability
If conventional damping methods are implemented, then some oscillation modes can be addressed, but the methodology becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the monitoring of multiple oscillation modes, frequency determination, and converter control into a single integrated method. Instead of separate systems for different oscillation modes, the invention merges these functions into one unified approach where acceleration values are monitored and used to control the converter for counteracting all identified oscillation modes through a single control loop
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors acceleration values of the tower and uses this feedback to determine frequency values of oscillation modes. The converter is then controlled based on this feedback information to generate counteracting torques, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically adapts to the actual oscillation conditions without requiring complex manual intervention
3Reliability
If the converter controls power output to counteract oscillations, then tower oscillations are dampened, but power quality may be affected by harmonics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful oscillation energy into beneficial power output modulation. By controlling the converter to counteract oscillations through power reference modulation, the system transforms the potentially harmful oscillation forces into useful electrical energy that can be fed to the grid, while the soft clipper function ensures that harmonics are minimized rather than amplified
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
Effectively dampens side-side oscillations of wind turbine towers by accurately identifying and counteracting the second oscillation mode, reducing noise and unwanted harmonics, thereby enhancing structural integrity and reducing load on components.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine tower, a nacelle mounted on top of the wind turbine tower, wherein the nacelle may support a rotor having plural rotor blades connected thereto and being connected mechanically to an electric generator which generates electric energy upon rotation of the rotor
Data Source
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AI summary
Damping wind turbine tower oscillations It is described a method for damping a side-side oscillation (5) of a tower (1) of a wind turbine (20) having a generator (29) connected to a converter (33), the method comprising: measuring an acceleration value (51) of the tower (1); determining, based on the acceleration value (51), at least one frequency value (53) of at least one tower oscillation mode, including a second tower oscillation mode; controlling the converter (33) of the wind turbine (20) based at least on the acceleration value (51) and the frequency value (53).