Adaptive Actuator Control for Wind Turbine Tonal Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling airborne tonal noise in wind turbines are inadequate, as they fail to effectively adapt to changing operating states of the turbine, leading to inefficient noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a vibration control system with multiple actuators, which identifies different operating states of the wind turbine and selects appropriate sets of actuators to apply vibration control oscillations in phase opposition to the component's vibrations, thereby reducing airborne tonal noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed set of actuators is used for vibration control, then the control system is simpler, but it cannot adapt to changing operating states leading to ineffective noise reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic actuator selection by continuously monitoring operating state parameters (rotor speed, power, blade pitch) and switching between different actuator sets based on the current operating state. This dynamic adaptation allows the vibration control system to effectively address different deflection shapes and vibration modes that occur at different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated state-dependent configuration.
2Reliability
If all actuators are operated continuously, then vibration control is maintained across all conditions, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or conditional actuator operation by activating specific actuator sets only when corresponding operating states are detected. Instead of continuous operation, the system periodically monitors operating parameters and selectively engages actuators based on current conditions, thereby maintaining reliable vibration control while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during transitions between operating states.
3Productivity
If multiple actuator sets are selected for different operating states, then vibration control effectiveness improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuator system into multiple distinct sets, where each set is optimized for specific operating states or deflection shapes. This segmentation allows efficient vibration control by activating only the relevant actuator set for the current condition, improving productivity while managing complexity through modular organization of actuators into functional groups that can be independently controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in operating state (rotor speed, power output, blade pitch angle) as the basis for selecting different actuator sets. By monitoring these physical parameters and transitioning between predefined actuator configurations based on parameter thresholds, the system achieves efficient adaptive control without requiring complex real-time optimization algorithms, thus balancing effectiveness with manageable system complexity.
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 effectively reduces airborne tonal noise by adapting to different operating states of the wind turbine, ensuring efficient noise mitigation without unnecessary energy consumption or increased complexity.
Implementation Method 1
operating each actuator of the first set to apply a vibration control oscillation to the component in phase opposition to a vibration of the component, thereby damping the vibration of the component
Implementation Method 2
thereby damping the vibration of the component and in turn reducing airborne tonal noise originating from the component
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling airborne tonal noise which originates from a component of a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising a vibration control system comprising a plurality of actuators. The method comprising identifying a first operating state of the wind turbine; and selecting a first set of one or more of the actuators on the basis of the identified first operating state. Each actuator of the first set is operated to apply a vibration control oscillation to the component in phase opposition to a vibration of the component, thereby damping the vibration of the component and in turn reducing airborne tonal noise originating from the component. A change of the wind turbine to a second operating state is detected, then a second set of one or more of the actuators is selected on the basis of the identified second operating state. Each actuator of the second set is operated to apply a vibration control oscillation to the component in phase opposition to a vibration of the component, thereby damping the vibration of the component and in turn reducing airborne tonal noise originating from the component.