Ultrasonic Wind Sensor PLC Interface for Turbine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems rely on mechanical sensors that are susceptible to ice damage and require extensive setup and maintenance due to varying turbine controller configurations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing ultrasonic wind sensors interfaced with a programmable logic controller (PLC) that transmits and processes wind properties to a turbine controller, allowing for adaptable communication topologies to optimize wind turbine operation across different manufacturers and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical sensors are used to measure wind properties, then wind turbine control can be implemented, but the sensors are highly susceptible to ice damage and malfunction in colder conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wind sensors with ultrasonic anemometers that use acoustic waves to measure wind speed and direction. This substitution eliminates moving parts that are susceptible to ice accumulation, allowing reliable operation in cold climates without mechanical failure from ice damage.
2Reliability
If turbine controllers are customized for each manufacturer and configuration, then accurate control is achieved, but setup time and resource expenditure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller architecture that can interface with multiple turbine controller types through standardized communication protocols. The controller includes configurable interface modules that adapt to different manufacturers and configurations without requiring custom hardware, reducing setup time while maintaining control accuracy through software-based adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses programmable parameters and configurable communication settings that can be adjusted through software to match different turbine controller specifications. This allows the same physical controller to adapt to various manufacturers and configurations by changing operational parameters rather than requiring custom hardware design for each case.
3Reliability
If specialized interface configuration is performed for each turbine controller type, then proper signal interfacing is achieved, but servicing and repair complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal interface design with standardized communication protocols that work across different turbine controller types. The controller includes built-in diagnostic and configuration tools that automatically detect the connected turbine controller type and adjust settings accordingly, simplifying servicing and repair operations without requiring technicians to be experts in every possible interface configuration.
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
This solution enhances wind turbine efficiency and reduces maintenance costs by providing accurate wind property measurements and adaptable communication protocols, enabling efficient operation regardless of turbine manufacturer or configuration, while minimizing the impact of environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by a first ultrasonic transceiver of a wind sensor, an ultrasonic packet at a first time
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by a second ultrasonic transceiver of the wind sensor, the ultrasonic packet at a second time; identifying, by a processing device of the wind sensor, one or more wind properties based on at least the first time and the second time
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a wind turbine via an ultrasonic wind sensor includes: transmitting, by a first ultrasonic transceiver, an ultrasonic packet at a first time and receiving, by a second ultrasonic transceiver, the ultrasonic packet at a second time; identifying wind properties based on the first time and the second time; transmitting the identified wind properties to a programmable logic controller (PLC) interfaced with the wind sensor and a turbine controller, wherein the interface with the turbine controller includes one of a plurality of communication topologies; processing the identified wind properties for output to the turbine controller based on a specific communication topology, wherein the PLC is configured to process the identified wind properties for output based on each of the plurality of communication topologies; transmitting the processed wind properties to the turbine controller; and controlling, by the turbine controller, a wind turbine based on the wind properties.