Turbulence Intensity Estimation Using Correction Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for turbulence intensity estimation in wind turbines are inadequate for efficient operation and optimal siting, leading to suboptimal power production and structural loading.

Innovation Solution

A correction model is used to adjust rotor effective wind speed data to determine corrected turbulence intensity, and a site correction model adjusts meteorological mast-mounted anemometer data to determine adjusted turbulence intensity, improving estimation accuracy for both wind turbine operation and siting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If turbulence intensity is estimated using rotor effective wind speed data, then wind turbine control can be improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial averaging effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind turbine controlVSAvoidturbulence intensity estimation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A correction model acts as an intermediary between rotor effective wind speed measurements and actual turbulence intensity values. The correction model receives rotor effective wind speed data and applies correction factors derived from the relationship between rotor-averaged and point-wise wind speeds, transforming the imprecise measurements into accurate turbulence intensity estimates for control purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the turbulence intensity estimation by changing the parameter representation from direct rotor effective wind speed measurements to corrected turbulence intensity values. This parameter transformation uses statistical relationships and correction factors to convert spatially-averaged measurements into point-equivalent turbulence intensity values that accurately reflect local wind conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If met mast wind sensor data is used for turbulence intensity estimation, then wind turbine siting can be optimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial displacement between measurement point and turbine location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind turbine sitingVSAvoidturbulence intensity estimation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The correction model serves as an intermediary that bridges the spatial gap between met mast measurements and turbine location. It applies correction factors that account for the spatial displacement, transforming met mast turbulence intensity data into accurate estimates for the specific turbine site, enabling optimized siting decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a corrected copy of the met mast turbulence intensity data that represents the actual conditions at the turbine location. Rather than using raw met mast measurements directly, the correction model generates a corrected version that accounts for spatial differences, providing accurate turbulence intensity estimates for siting optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If rotor effective wind speed data is used directly for turbulence intensity calculation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial averaging over the rotor area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement systemVSAvoidturbulence intensity estimation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The correction model acts as a computational intermediary that processes simple rotor effective wind speed measurements and transforms them into precise turbulence intensity estimates. This approach maintains device simplicity while achieving measurement precision through mathematical correction rather than complex instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter transformation to convert rotor effective wind speed data into accurate turbulence intensity values. By changing the parameter representation and applying correction factors, the system achieves high measurement precision using simple measurements, avoiding the need for complex measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3859149B1Turbulence intensity estimation
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPANA SL
  • EP3859149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3859149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3859149B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method to operate a wind turbine is provided, the method including determining a correction model associated with the wind turbine, determining a corrected turbulence intensity parameter associated with the wind turbine based on the correction model, and operating the wind turbine based on the corrected turbulence intensity parameter.