Wind Turbine Drive System Testing via Energy Storage Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the functionality of wind turbine drive systems, such as pitch and yaw drive systems, are inaccurate due to dependence on rotational position and wind conditions, and require the turbine to be disconnected from the grid, which disrupts operation.
Innovation Solution
A method for testing the functionality of drive systems in wind turbines that involves discharging energy from the energy storage unit to an energy dissipating element, such as a braking resistor, while maintaining connection to the grid and turbine operation, using controlled discharge current and power to ensure reliable results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the turbine is disconnected from the grid for testing, then the test can be performed, but the operation is disrupted and test accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the energy storage unit test in advance while the turbine is still connected to the grid and operating normally. The test is conducted before any grid disconnection occurs, using the existing operational power supply to charge the energy storage unit during normal operation, then testing its discharge functionality without interrupting grid connection or turbine operation.
2Productivity
If the test is performed with grid connection, then operation continuity is maintained, but test accuracy is compromised due to wind conditions and rotational position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the test procedure from the context of blade movement and aerodynamic forces. Instead of testing through actual blade pitching influenced by wind, the method isolates the energy storage unit and energy dissipating element for direct electrical testing. This separates the electrical functionality test from the mechanical-aerodynamic variables, enabling accurate testing while maintaining grid connection and normal turbine operation.
3Measurement precision
If energy is discharged to the energy dissipating element, then the functionality can be tested accurately, but the test requires independent of external conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing existing components already present in the wind turbine system. The energy dissipating element, which is normally part of the turbine's operational equipment for managing energy, is repurposed for testing the energy storage unit. This eliminates the need for external test equipment or complex additional hardware, as the system's own components perform the testing function.
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
The method provides a reliable and accurate assessment of the drive system's functionality without disrupting turbine operation, utilizing existing hardware components and independent of external conditions.
Implementation Method 1
discharging energy from the energy storage unit to an energy dissipating element, such as a braking resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for testing a functionality of a system of a wind turbine. The system includes an electro-mechanical actuator, an energy storage unit, and an energy dissipating element connectable to the energy storage unit for selectively transferring energy from the energy storage unit to the energy dissipating element. The method includes: providing first information representative of an operating mode of the system, and, if the operating mode is a test mode: causing a discharging of energy from the energy storage unit and a supply of at least a portion of the discharged energy to the energy dissipating element; receiving measurements being representative of a state of at least one of the energy storage unit and the energy dissipating element during the discharging and the supply; and determining a functionality of at least one of the energy storage unit and the energy dissipating element based on the measurements.