Wind Turbine Mode Scheduling for Energy Output and Lifetime Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine operation methods struggle to optimally balance energy production and lifetime consumption under varying environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal performance in certain situations.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating wind turbines in multiple modes, determining a sequence of operating modes based on estimated energy production and lifetime consumption, allowing for adjustments based on current parameters to align with optimization targets, such as maximizing energy production or revenue while considering the impact on turbine lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wind turbine is operated in aggressive operating modes to maximize energy production, then energy production is improved, but lifetime consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static operating mode selection to dynamic sequencing. The system determines a sequence of operating modes over a future period, allowing the turbine to adapt its operation mode at different time steps based on predicted conditions. This temporal dimension enables the system to maximize energy production when conditions permit while preserving lifetime when needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by estimating future energy production and lifetime consumption for different operating mode sequences before actually executing them. The system evaluates multiple candidate sequences in advance and selects the optimal one, allowing proactive adjustment of operating modes to balance energy production and lifetime consumption based on predicted future conditions rather than reacting to current conditions alone.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the wind turbine operates in less aggressive modes to reduce lifetime consumption, then lifetime consumption is reduced, but energy production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating modes over time rather than maintaining a static conservative approach. By sequencing operating modes according to predicted future conditions, the system can adopt less aggressive modes when lifetime preservation is critical while switching to more aggressive modes when energy production opportunities arise, thus resolving the trade-off between reduced lifetime consumption and maintained energy production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of operation from fixed operating mode to time-varying operating mode sequence. The system evaluates multiple possible sequences and selects optimal ones based on predicted energy production and lifetime consumption, allowing the operating parameters to evolve over time according to changing conditions, thereby achieving both lifetime preservation and energy production optimization.
3Productivity
If the wind turbine operation is optimized for maximum energy production, then energy production is maximized, but the alignment with actual demand and lifetime constraints deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring actual energy production, demand conditions, and lifetime consumption against the planned optimal sequence. The control system adjusts operating mode selections based on actual performance data and changing conditions, ensuring that energy production maximization does not compromise demand alignment or lifetime constraints, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining optimal operating mode sequences based on predicted future conditions, including demand forecasts and lifetime constraints. This advance planning ensures that energy production optimization is aligned with future demand patterns and lifetime limitations, rather than maximizing energy production in isolation without considering broader system constraints and reliability requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine is operable in plural different operating modes that differ by at least one of lifetime consumption of the wind turbine and energy production by the wind turbine. A sequence of operating modes is determined for a future period of time, wherein an optimization parameter is estimated based on an estimated external parameter. A sequence of operating modes is selected for which the optimization parameter meets an optimization target. The method further includes obtaining a current value for the consumed lifetime of the wind turbine and determining an actual operating mode for the wind turbine for a current point in time under consideration of a deviation between the current value of the consumed lifetime and a consumed lifetime expected for operation in the selected sequence of operating modes. The wind turbine is operated in the determined actual operating mode.