Wind Turbine Controller With Adjustable Power-Speed Trajectory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbines face challenges in efficiently controlling power production and load reduction, particularly in transitioning between high power production and curtailed operations, where existing controllers lack flexibility in managing rotor speed and load distribution effectively.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that adjusts the operating trajectory in a power vs. speed graph using a slider command to select between vertical and inclined trajectories, allowing for flexible power ramp-up rates and load reduction by changing the angular position of the trajectory between 0° and 90°, enabling operation at either high power production or reduced speed for load reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the rotor speed is kept at or near the optimal operating point for fast ramp rates, then the power production response is improved, but the structural loads and tower fatigue are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower ramp rateVSAvoidstructural load

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the operating trajectory angle based on real-time conditions. The trajectory angle can be changed during operation to switch between fast ramp-up mode (vertical trajectory) and load reduction mode (inclined trajectory), making the control strategy adaptive rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters by adjusting the trajectory angle in the power-speed graph. This parameter change allows the controller to select different operational modes: a vertical trajectory for maximum power ramp rate or an inclined trajectory for reduced loads, effectively controlling the relationship between power output and rotor speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the rotor speed is reduced for load reduction, then the tower fatigue loads are decreased, but the power production and ramp-up capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural loadVSAvoidpower production

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating trajectory angle based on real-time conditions. The trajectory angle can be changed during operation to switch between fast ramp-up mode (vertical trajectory) and load reduction mode (inclined trajectory), making the control strategy adaptive rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single control system serves multiple functions by adjusting the trajectory angle. It can provide both maximum power production capability (vertical trajectory) and load reduction capability (inclined trajectory) using the same controller, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate control strategies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wind turbine operates at curtailed level without fast ramp rates, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the control capability for rapid power increase is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidramp-up capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the operational requirements to adjust the trajectory angle. When fast ramp-up is needed, the controller selects the vertical trajectory; when load reduction is prioritized, it selects the inclined trajectory. This feedback mechanism ensures the control capability adapts to current operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3931439B1Controller for a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2024.02.07 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS

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AI summary

A controller (100) for a wind turbine (1) comprises a power controller unit (101) for controlling a power output of an electric generator (10) comprised in the wind turbine (1). The power controller unit (101) operates the electric generator (10) according to a speed reference value (211, 213) and a power reference value (212, 214), the speed reference value (211, 213) and a power reference value (212, 214) being chosen along a linear operating trajectory (204, 205) in a power vs speed graph (200), the linear operating trajectory (205) including a point (210) corresponding to the nominal power (212) and the nominal generator speed (211). The power controller unit (101) includes a slider command (103) for selecting the angular position of the linear operating trajectory (204, 205) in the power vs speed graph (200).