Wind Turbine Azimuth Sensor Reliability via In-Plane Moment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Azimuth sensors in wind turbines suffer from degradation over time, leading to incorrect angular position readings that can cause suboptimal load control, increased maintenance time, and reduced energy output.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine the reliability of azimuth sensors by measuring in-plane moments with rotor rotational speed frequency and comparing them with theoretical moments based on the mass of the blades, identifying deviations to detect potential malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If azimuth sensors are used to measure rotor angular position, then load control and energy output are improved, but sensor degradation over time leads to measurement precision deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration of the azimuth sensor by comparing its readings against theoretical angular positions calculated from in-plane moment measurements. This preliminary validation allows the system to detect drift before it significantly impacts energy output, and to apply corrective offset adjustments proactively rather than reactively
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by repeatedly comparing azimuth sensor readings with theoretically calculated positions based on in-plane moments. This closed-loop feedback mechanism detects measurement drift over time and triggers recalibration or corrective actions to maintain measurement precision and optimize energy output
2Productivity
If azimuth sensors operate continuously without validation, then productivity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected sensor degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-validation by using independently measurable physical quantities (in-plane moments from load sensors and rotor speed from rotational speed sensors) to verify azimuth sensor readings. This self-service mechanism allows continuous operation while maintaining reliability through autonomous sensor validation without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary reliability assessment by comparing sensor readings against theoretical calculations before critical failures occur. This proactive validation detects degradation trends early, allowing maintenance to be scheduled during planned downtime rather than causing unexpected停运
3Measurement precision
If sensor recalibration is performed frequently to maintain precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time due to maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of sensor drift by comparing readings against theoretical positions. This allows the system to maintain precision through minimal, targeted recalibration only when drift exceeds thresholds, rather than frequent scheduled maintenance, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated self-diagnosis and self-calibration using onboard sensors and theoretical calculations. This eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures and external equipment, reducing maintenance time to brief automated cycles that can often be performed during normal operation or during routine access for other maintenance tasks
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods for determining reliability of an azimuth measurement system in a wind turbine. The methods comprise measuring loads with load sensors during operation and determining in-plane moments with rotor rotational speed frequency of one or more blades based on the measured loads. The methods further comprise measuring an azimuthal position of a wind turbine rotor. The method also comprises determining that the azimuth measurement system has reduced reliability if an angular phase of the in-plane moments deviates from the measured azimuthal position by more than a first threshold value. The present disclosure also relates to wind turbine systems incorporating azimuth measurements and methods for on-line determination of correct functioning of azimuth sensors.