Turbine Parameter Optimization Using LIDAR Wind Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines, especially those in complex terrain, operate sub-optimally due to inadequate measurement of three-dimensional wind flow, leading to reduced productivity and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of converging beam LIDAR systems to provide precise three-dimensional wind velocity data, allowing for the calculation, adjustment, or constraint of turbine parameters to optimize performance and extend asset lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wind flow measurement methods are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision is insufficient for complex three-dimensional wind flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wind flow measurement instruments with LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. This optical measurement system uses laser beams to measure wind velocity components in three dimensions without mechanical moving parts, achieving superior measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional wind flow measurement to three-dimensional measurement by incorporating vertical wind velocity components. The LIDAR system measures wind velocity in multiple spatial dimensions, enabling accurate characterization of complex three-dimensional wind flow patterns in hilly terrain.
2Productivity
If turbine parameters are optimized for horizontal wind flow, then the turbine operates efficiently in flat terrain, but productivity decreases in complex hilly terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of turbine operating parameters based on real-time three-dimensional wind flow measurements. The system continuously adapts blade pitch angles, rotor speed, and yaw orientation to match the actual three-dimensional wind conditions, maximizing electricity production across varying terrain and wind patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple turbine operating parameters including blade pitch angle, rotor rotational speed, and yaw angle to optimize performance for complex three-dimensional wind flow. These parameter adjustments are based on LIDAR measurements of vertical wind shear, wind direction, and turbulence intensity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rotor axis tilt angle is fixed at approximately 5 degrees, then the turbine design is simple, but the turbine cannot optimize performance for varying wind flow conditions in hilly terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rotor axis tilt angle dynamic rather than fixed. The tilt angle is continuously adjusted based on three-dimensional wind flow measurements to optimize the rotor's alignment with the prevailing wind direction, enabling the turbine to adapt to varying wind conditions in hilly terrain while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical design.
4Reliability
If turbines operate without precise three-dimensional wind flow data, then the operational system is simpler, but operational loads increase and asset lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where LIDAR continuously measures three-dimensional wind flow parameters and feeds this information back to the turbine control system. This closed-loop control enables real-time optimization of turbine operation, reducing mechanical loads on components and extending asset lifetime through proactive load management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LIDAR to measure wind flow conditions in advance of the turbine rotor, allowing the control system to prepare optimal operating parameters before the wind reaches the blades. This preliminary action enables smooth transitions and avoids sudden load spikes that could damage turbine components.
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
Enhances electricity production over the asset's lifetime by better harnessing wind power, reducing operational loads, and lowering maintenance costs through improved parameter optimization.
Implementation Method 1
converging beam LIDAR systems to provide precise three-dimensional wind velocity data
Data Source
AI summary
Turbines, including fluid driven turbines, including wind turbines, do not always operate to their maximum capability due to sub-optimal selection of various possible parameters. Therefore there is industrial advantage in systems which can calculate, adjust or constrain such parameters in order to improve the productivity of turbines. New data also allows for new control methodologies. Such systems may be established through the provision of relevant data. The overall productivity of turbines may be improved, or increased, by extending the lifetime of the turbine, or by increasing the average power output during its lifetime, or reducing maintenance costs. One particular example of turbine under-performance has been observed by the present author for wind turbines operating in hilly terrain such as frequently found on Scottish wind farms but also in many locations around the world. Hilly terrain, or complex terrain, results in complex wind flow and energy production losses when control systems are not best designed to handle such flow. Although complex flow may arise for other reasons, such as complex weather or storms (both onshore and offshore), the complex flow due to complex terrain is always present for many turbines and therefore impacts productivity throughout their operational lifetime. Complex fluid flow data may be measured by instruments including converging beam Doppler LIDAR which is especially advantageous in providing three-dimensional fluid velocity data. Therefore the provision of data allows for control parameter adjustment to account for operational variables including fluid characteristics. Therefore the control parameters may be adjusted in order to better control a turbine for its local conditions. This allows for greater generation of renewable energy. Derivations thereof may also be applied to improve operational parameters of vehicles, including vehicles incorporating a rotor, as well as aircraft and spacecraft launching or operating within a fluid. This offers better vehicle control and improved safety.