Wind Farm Control System for High Wind Speed Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbine generators face limitations in harnessing high wind energy due to design constraints that prioritize lifespan over power output, leading to reduced energy capture during high wind speeds and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system that senses and assesses operating parameters of wind turbine generators to intermittently increase rated power output, allowing for higher energy capture without compromising baseline life, using a wind farm control system to dynamically adjust power ratings based on real-time conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wind turbines operate at rated power during high wind speeds, then power output is maintained at design limits, but excess wind energy cannot be captured and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rating adjustment by continuously monitoring operating parameters (wind speed, temperature, humidity, turbine age) and adjusting the power rating accordingly. The controller dynamically modifies the rated power output based on real-time conditions, allowing the turbine to operate above or below the fixed design rating as appropriate, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by adjusting the power rating based on environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, wind speed) and turbine characteristics (age, maintenance history). This parameter adaptation allows the turbine to optimize its output within safe operational limits, capturing more energy during favorable conditions while maintaining reliability constraints.
2Reliability
If conservative design practices are used for wind turbine components, then component reliability is ensured, but the turbine cannot harness excess wind energy beyond rated output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, conservative component rating into a dynamic capability by implementing continuous monitoring of operating parameters and adjusting the power output accordingly. The system allows components to operate at variable loads based on real-time conditions, enabling the turbine to harness excess wind energy while maintaining component reliability through adaptive control rather than fixed conservative limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring operating parameters (wind speed, temperature, component performance) and using this information to adjust the power rating in real-time. This closed-loop control enables the turbine to respond to changing conditions and optimize power capture while ensuring component reliability through adaptive adjustments rather than fixed conservative design limits.
3Reliability
If wind turbines shut down or reduce loads during high wind speeds, then mechanical components are protected from fatigue damage, but power output is reduced and energy capture is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the binary shutdown/reduce-load strategy with a dynamic rating adjustment approach. Instead of abruptly reducing power output when wind speeds exceed thresholds, the system continuously adapts the power rating based on real-time monitoring of mechanical stress, component temperature, and wind conditions. This allows the turbine to maintain higher power output during high wind speeds while dynamically protecting components through adaptive control, thereby reducing energy loss compared to traditional shutdown strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by monitoring operating parameters and adjusting the power rating in advance before critical fatigue damage can occur. The controller predicts potential stress conditions and proactively modifies the power output to prevent excessive mechanical loads, allowing the turbine to operate at higher power levels during high wind speeds without compromising component protection, thus capturing more energy while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is provided for operating a wind farm at increased rated power output. The technique includes sensing a plurality of operating parameters of the wind turbine generator, assessing the plurality of operating parameters with respect to respective design ratings for the operating parameters, and intermittently increasing a rated power output of the wind turbine generator based upon the assessment.