Wind Turbine Blade Model Control for Real-Time Pitch Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine pitch control systems are limited in their ability to effectively manage rotor loads during unusual or extreme operating conditions due to simulated loop gains that are only determined for selected points of the operating envelope, reducing their adaptability and responsiveness to changing wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computerized real-time blade model is implemented in the wind turbine control system to calculate operational parameters based on the current wind turbine operating point and estimated rotor-plane wind speed, allowing for adaptive control and improved load management by calculating gain parameters such as pitch to thrust, torque, flap load, and chord-wise bending moment sensitivities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If loop gains are determined through simulation at selected operating points during design phase, then the control system is simpler to implement, but the ability to control rotor loads during unusual or extreme operating conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts loop gains based on real-time operating conditions. The system transitions from static, pre-simulated gains to dynamic, condition-dependent gains by continuously monitoring operating parameters and adjusting gains accordingly, enabling effective control across the entire operating envelope including extreme conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters (loop gains) based on operating conditions. By monitoring parameters such as wind speed, rotor speed, and power output, the system adjusts loop gains to match current operating conditions, improving adaptability without requiring complete redesign for each scenario
2Productivity
If blade pitch control is optimized for rated operating conditions, then power output control is improved, but responsiveness to changing wind conditions and load management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade pitch control system transitions from static optimization at rated conditions to dynamic adaptation across all operating conditions. The system continuously adjusts pitch angles based on real-time wind conditions and load measurements, maintaining both power control and responsiveness simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor actual wind conditions, rotor loads, and power output. This feedback enables the control system to adjust blade pitch in real-time, improving responsiveness to changing conditions while maintaining effective power control through closed-loop regulation
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine control system comprising a controller of a control mechanism of a wind turbine, wherein the controller implements a computerized real-time blade model to calculate operational parameters of the controller, and wherein the computerized real-time blade model receives as inputs a determined wind turbine operating point and a rotor-plane wind speed value that is estimated in real-time. In another aspect, the embodiments of the invention provide a method of controlling a control mechanism of a wind turbine. Advantageously, the invention provides a more flexible and responsive control system that is able to adapt to changing wind conditions even if those wind conditions are beyond what is usually predicted.