Tuned Mass Damper Sensing for Wind Turbine Resonance Avoidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining eigenfrequencies in wind turbines are complex, resource-intensive, and not performed during operation, leading to potential resonance issues and suboptimum operation, especially in offshore environments with varying soil conditions and structural changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A method using a tuned mass damper to determine the frequency of oscillation modes by monitoring the motion of a mass, allowing for accurate and autonomous estimation during operation, and adjusting operational parameters to avoid resonance zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If eigenfrequencies are determined using traditional methods (accelerometers and computational resources) during commissioning phase, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tuned mass damper as an intermediary device to indirectly determine eigenfrequencies. Instead of directly measuring tower oscillations with accelerometers, the system measures the motion of the TMD mass, which responds to the same oscillations. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex computational methods and multiple accelerometer sensors with a simpler mechanical system - the tuned mass damper. The TMD's natural response to oscillations provides direct mechanical information about eigenfrequencies, eliminating the need for complex signal processing and computational resource requirements.
2Reliability
If operational exclusion zones are defined based on design phase eigenfrequencies, then structural safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to suboptimum operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of operational parameters based on real-time eigenfrequency measurements. Instead of using fixed exclusion zones from the design phase, the system continuously monitors TMD motion to detect eigenfrequency shifts and dynamically adjusts rotor speed limits accordingly. This allows the wind turbine to operate safely while maximizing energy production by adapting to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where TMD motion is continuously measured, eigenfrequencies are derived from this data, and operational parameters are adjusted based on the current eigenfrequency state. This closed-loop control ensures structural safety while optimizing productivity by preventing operation only when actually necessary.
3Power
If wind turbine size is increased to extract more energy from wind, then power generation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to higher loads and resonance risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of resonance into a useful measurement mechanism. The tuned mass damper, designed to reduce vibrations, is simultaneously used as a sensor to detect eigenfrequencies. By monitoring the TMD's motion response to oscillations, the system identifies resonant conditions and adjusts operation to avoid them, thus converting a potential harm (vibration) into a beneficial diagnostic tool.
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
Enables precise and efficient operation of wind turbines by dynamically adjusting rotational speed exclusion zones, reducing structural loads, and optimizing Annual Energy Production (AEP) without complex computations or human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a tuned mass damper to determine the frequency of oscillation modes by monitoring the motion of a mass within the damper
Implementation Method 2
determining a motion of a first mass of a first tuned mass damper in the wind turbine and deriving the frequency of the oscillation mode
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to methods for determining a frequency of an oscillation mode of a wind turbine, comprising: determining a motion of a first mass of a first tuned mass damper in the wind turbine and deriving the frequency of the oscillation mode of the wind turbine at least partially based on the determined motion of the first mass. The present disclosure further relates to methods for operating a wind turbine, and to wind turbines, particularly offshore wind turbines, comprising tuned mass dampers.