Wind Turbine Blade Angle Optimization for Ice Stall Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face significant yield loss and increased mechanical stress due to ice accumulation on rotor blades, which alters aerodynamics and can lead to stalls, especially in locations with prolonged low temperatures, as existing methods set a minimum blade angle to prevent stalls but do not optimize energy production.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the blade angle using an initial special characteristic curve when ice is detected, iteratively optimizing the blade angle control to maximize energy yield by recording and comparing power curves under varying wind conditions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the blade angle to maintain optimal performance despite ice accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a minimum blade angle is specified to prevent stalls when ice accumulates on rotor blades, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to significant yield loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static minimum blade angle specification to a dynamic iterative optimization process. The blade angle control continuously adapts based on recorded power curves and detected ice accumulation conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliability while maximizing productivity through real-time adjustments rather than fixed constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by recording power curves over predetermined periods and using this data to iteratively optimize the special characteristic. The control system continuously monitors the relationship between blade angle and power output, adjusting the characteristic based on actual performance data to prevent stalls while maintaining maximum energy yield
2Reliability
If the blade angle is restricted to a minimum value to avoid stalls in icy conditions, then safety is improved, but energy production is reduced due to inability to operate at optimal blade angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the special characteristic iteratively based on recorded power curves. Instead of maintaining a fixed minimum blade angle, the system adjusts the characteristic parameters dynamically to find the optimal balance between stall avoidance and energy capture, allowing operation at blade angles that maximize yield while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by autonomously optimizing its own control characteristic through iterative recording and analysis of power curves. The control device automatically adjusts the special characteristic based on observed performance, eliminating the need for external intervention while maintaining both safety and energy efficiency
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 wind turbines to maintain maximum possible yield while preventing stalls, reducing energy loss and mechanical stress, particularly in locations with prolonged ice formation, by dynamically adjusting blade angles based on real-time aerodynamic changes.
Implementation Method 1
A rotational movement of the rotor induced by wind can thus be converted into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the rotor drives a generator via a rotor shaft and a gearbox. A rotational movement of the rotor induced by wind can thus be converted into electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine (1), a wind turbine (1) designed for carrying out this method, and a corresponding computer program. In the method for operating a wind turbine (1) comprising a rotor (2) with several rotor blades (4) adjustable with respect to their blade angle and an ice detection system, the blade angle adjustment is carried out in normal operation based on a standard characteristic curve as a function of a parameter determined during operation of the wind turbine (1) (step 90), and in the case of detected ice formation (step 95) according to the following steps: a) Operation of the wind turbine (1) based on an initial special characteristic curve for the blade angles of one rotor blade (4) or all rotor blades (4) as a function of a parameter determined during operation of the wind turbine (1) (step 100);b) Recording a first power curve for a predetermined period (step 105); c) Modifying the special characteristic curve (step 110); d) Recording a further power curve for a predetermined period (step 110); and e) Checking whether the last determined further power curve represents an optimum (step 125): - if yes, operating the wind turbine (1) based on the optimal special characteristic curve underlying the last determined further power curve; - if no, iterating from step c). The wind turbine (1) according to the invention and the computer program product according to the invention are designed to carry out the method according to the invention.