Wind Farm Control Using Upwind Detection for Downwind Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind farm systems face damage due to excess loading from changes in atmospheric conditions, such as increased wind speeds, as they detect and adjust after the conditions have already affected the generators, leading to potential damage before adjustments can be made.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an anticipatory detection system using upwind wind generators to detect atmospheric conditions and communicate these to downwind generators, allowing for pre-emptive adjustments through control systems and adjustment devices like LIDAR and SODAR, enabling downwind generators to adjust before experiencing adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If atmospheric detection apparatus is mounted on wind generators to detect experienced atmospheric conditions, then the wind generator can be adjusted based on detected conditions, but the wind generator is already affected by adverse conditions before adjustment can be made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using upwind wind generators to detect atmospheric conditions before they reach downwind generators. This allows the control system to initiate protective adjustments in advance, transforming the reactive detection approach into a proactive protection strategy that prevents damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses upwind wind generators as intermediaries to detect atmospheric conditions that will affect downwind generators. This intermediary detection approach allows the control system to receive advance warning of adverse conditions and prepare protective measures before the actual damage can occur to the monitored generators.
2Productivity
If wind generators are adjusted based on experienced atmospheric conditions, then optimal loading can be obtained, but excess loading can damage wind generators before detection and adjustment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the control system to initiate protective adjustments before adverse atmospheric conditions cause damage. The system preemptively counteracts the harmful effects of excess loading by adjusting generator parameters in advance, based on detection from upwind generators, thereby preventing rather than merely responding to damage.
3Ease of operation
If atmospheric conditions are detected after they have affected the wind generator, then the generator can be adjusted, but damage has already occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a communication network that transmits atmospheric condition data from upwind wind generators to downwind generators. This feedback loop enables the control system to continuously monitor conditions and automatically initiate protective adjustments, creating a closed-loop system that prevents damage through continuous monitoring and automatic response.
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 approach reduces the risk of damage to downwind generators by allowing them to adjust before experiencing adverse conditions, thereby mitigating excess loading and extending the lifespan of wind turbine components while reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
adjustment devices like LIDAR and SODAR
Implementation Method 2
adjustment devices like LIDAR and SODAR
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a wind farm are disclosed. The method includes detecting an operating condition of an upwind wind generator 110, the upwind wind generator 110 located upstream of a downwind wind generator 112 relative to a wind flow direction 28. The method further includes communicating a control signal to the downwind wind generator 112. The control signal is based on the operating condition. The method further includes beginning to adjust the downwind wind generator 112 according to the control signal before the wind flow 28 is experienced by the downwind wind generator 112.