Variable Speed Wind Turbine Yaw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large wind turbines experience extreme loads due to high yaw errors during rapid changes in wind direction, leading to increased component weight, cost, and frequent shutdowns, as existing yaw systems operate at constant slow speeds, which are inefficient and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Increasing the yaw speed of the wind turbine rotor from a first speed to a faster second speed when yaw error or its rate of change exceeds predetermined thresholds, using electric motors to rapidly reduce yaw error, thereby reducing extreme loads and allowing for lighter, cheaper components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the yaw system operates at constant slow speeds to ensure stability and control, then the reliability and control precision are improved, but the productivity and response time to wind direction changes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The yaw system transitions from constant speed operation to variable speed operation, dynamically adjusting the rotation speed based on operational requirements. The system operates at high speed when rapid yaw adjustment is needed and switches to low speed for stable positioning, making the system both responsive and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation speed parameter of the yaw system is changed based on operational conditions. The system uses two distinct speed levels: a high rotation speed for rapid yaw adjustment and a low rotation speed for stable positioning, optimizing both response time and control precision.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the yaw system operates at constant slow speeds, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to respond to rapid wind direction changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The yaw system uses periodic alternation between high and low speed operations. High speed is engaged only when rapid yaw adjustment is required, while low speed is used during normal stable operation, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode between high-speed and low-speed states based on the need for rapid response versus energy efficiency, rather than maintaining a constant speed throughout operation.
3Strength
If the nacelle is made heavier to withstand extreme loads, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The yaw system performs preliminary action by rapidly reducing yaw error before extreme loads can develop. This proactive approach prevents the nacelle from experiencing maximum extreme loads, allowing for optimized (lighter) structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of rapid wind direction changes into benefit by using the variable speed yaw system to actively manage yaw error, transforming a loading problem into a control opportunity that reduces peak loads.
4Power
If the rotor diameter is increased to capture more wind energy, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the yaw system complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable speed yaw system provides dynamic control that scales with rotor size, enabling larger rotors to be effectively managed. The high-speed capability compensates for the increased inertia and complexity of larger nacelles, maintaining controllability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine (1) in which the yaw speed of a rotor (4) of the wind turbine (1) is increased, in a direction to reduce yaw error, from a first speed to a faster second speed when at least one of a yaw error threshold and a rate of change in yaw error threshold is exceeded. Yaw error is an amount an axis about which the rotor (4) is rotatable is offset from the wind direction to which the rotor (4) is exposed. As a result, the maximum loads that a wind turbine 1 should withstand may be reduced and lighter wind turbine components result.