Wind Energy System Rotor Speed Wind Speed Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind energy systems face inaccuracies in wind speed measurements due to anemometer signals being influenced by rotor airflow, leading to conservative threshold setting and unnecessary downtime, as existing anemometers are not calibrated individually and are prone to inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

The method determines wind speed conditions without relying on anemometer signals by using wind direction standard deviation at low speeds, calculating wind speed from rotor rotational speed and pitch angle during intermediate speeds, and combining pitch angle, rotational speed, and torque measurements for higher speeds, allowing for accurate operational condition assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an anemometer is mounted on the nacelle to measure wind speed, then wind speed measurement is provided, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to rotor influence on airflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind speed measurement accuracyVSAvoidrotor influence on airflow
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wind speed measurement function from the anemometer mounted on the nacelle and replaces it with a calculation method based on rotor rotational speed and pitch angle. This removes the harmful rotor influence on the measurement by using indirect measurement parameters that are not affected by the rotor's presence in the airflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses rotor rotational speed and pitch angle as intermediate parameters to determine wind speed. Instead of directly measuring wind speed with an anemometer affected by rotor airflow, the system uses these intermediate parameters that are not influenced by the rotor, thereby eliminating the measurement error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conservative threshold values are used for control decisions, then system safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to unnecessary downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem safetyVSAvoidenergy generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for wind speed measurement from direct anemometer reading to calculated wind speed based on rotor rotational speed and pitch angle. This parameter change eliminates the measurement inaccuracies that led to conservative threshold settings, allowing for more accurate and less conservative operational thresholds that improve both safety and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If anemometer is used for wind speed measurement, then wind speed data is obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of individual calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind speed measurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the wind energy system to self-determine its wind speed using its own operational parameters (rotor rotational speed and pitch angle) without requiring external calibration or individual anemometer calibration. The system uses its existing sensors and control data to calculate wind speed, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables precise determination of wind speed thresholds, reducing downtime and increasing energy capture by using existing sensors, and provides a more accurate representation of load conditions on rotor blades, enhancing operational efficiency and availability.

Implementation Method 1

The rotor (150) can be rotated by a force of the wind

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind force: Wind

Implementation Method 2

converting kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinetic energy conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a electric generator is connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2056210B1Wind energy system and method of controlling a wind energy system
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2056210B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2056210B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2056210B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to wind energy system and a method of controlling thereof. A method for controlling a wind energy system (100) is provided wherein the method comprises determining the effective wind speed taking into account the load on the rotor blades of said wind energy system exerted by the wind is provided. Further, a wind energy system (100) having a calculation unit (330) adapted for calculating the effective wind speed by taking into account the load on the rotor blades of said wind energy system exerted by the wind is provided. Further, a wind speed sensor free wind energy system having a generator for generating electric energy and a controller (300) for shutting down and/or starting the electric energy generation in dependence of the wind speed is provided.