Wind Rotor Imbalance Estimation via Acceleration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for compensating imbalances in wind turbines are inefficient and require extensive data collection, failing to effectively balance both mass and pitch imbalances, which leads to increased fatigue loading and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of test-offsets to characterize the wind rotor's state, measuring acceleration to determine a compensation-offset, and applying it to partially compensate imbalances, using a control unit to facilitate online pitch balancing and mass adjustments without the need for optical measurements or lengthy procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional offline tools are used to estimate mass imbalances, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the process requires several hours of turbine operating data and cannot perform pitch balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement methods with a control-based approach. The control unit applies test-offsets to pitch parameters and measures resulting accelerations to calculate imbalance compensation, eliminating the need for lengthy offline data collection and mechanical measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach by introducing test-offsets as controllable parameters. By systematically varying pitch offset values and measuring the corresponding acceleration responses, the system能够快速 determine compensation offsets without requiring extended operational data collection periods.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pitch calibration methods using markings or photographic methods are used, then pitch balancing can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection methods (markings and photographic methods) with a control-based measurement system. The control unit automatically applies test-offsets, measures accelerations, and calculates compensation offsets, eliminating manual measurement procedures and reducing calibration time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically applying test-offsets and measuring its own acceleration response. The control unit processes the measured data to determine compensation offsets without requiring external measurement equipment or manual intervention, making the process faster and more efficient.
3Productivity
If imbalances are not compensated, then the wind turbine can operate without intervention, but fatigue loading on the turbine and foundation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors acceleration data, compares it against threshold values, and automatically applies compensation offsets when imbalances are detected. This closed-loop system maintains turbine operation while reducing fatigue loading through automatic imbalance compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary compensation actions by applying test-offsets before actual imbalance conditions develop. By proactively measuring and compensating for pitch and mass imbalances, the system prevents increased fatigue loading while maintaining continuous turbine operation.
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 allows for accurate and efficient compensation of imbalances, reducing wear and maintenance costs by determining compensation-offsets based on acceleration measurements, enabling faster and more precise balancing during operation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring for the at least two test-offsets an acceleration of the wind turbine, wherein the acceleration depends on the imbalance
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for compensating an imbalance (344, 345) of a wind rotor (110) of a wind turbine (100) is described. The method comprises applying at least one test-offset to a parameter (113, 117) characterizing a state of the wind rotor (110), wherein the imbalance (344, 345) depends on the parameter (113, 117); measuring for the at least one test-offset an acceleration of the wind turbine (100), wherein the acceleration depends on the imbalance (344, 345); and determining a compensation-offset (341-343, 874-876) based on the measured acceleration, wherein the imbalance (344, 345) is at least partially compensated, when the compensation-offset (341-343, 874-876) is applied to the parameter (113, 117). Furthermore, a corresponding wind turbine (100) is described comprising a control unit (101) configured to carry out the above method.