Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Damage Minimization via Sensor Trending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine blade monitoring systems fail to consider the structural aspects and unique loading of individual rotor blades, leading to potential catastrophic failures and downtime due to inadequate monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a controller to trend sensor data over a predetermined time period, including blade parameters like mass moment and environmental conditions, to implement control actions such as altering wind turbine speed, power, thrust, or shutting it down to minimize blade damage, by adjusting pitch angles and yawing the nacelle to reduce loading and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blade monitoring systems are used that rely on wind speed algorithms and weather reports, then the monitoring system is simple and low-cost, but the system fails to account for individual blade structural characteristics and loading conditions leading to potential catastrophic failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring approach by implementing individual sensors on each rotor blade to capture blade-specific data. This segmentation allows each blade to be monitored independently for its unique structural characteristics and loading conditions, rather than using a single centralized system that treats all blades uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor data from each blade is continuously collected, processed, and used to adjust pitch angles in real-time. The controller receives feedback from blade root bending moment sensors and adjusts blade pitch accordingly to prevent excessive loading and potential failures.
2Reliability
If individual blade monitoring with multiple sensors is implemented, then blade-specific structural characteristics are captured improving reliability, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional control system that handles multiple tasks: collecting data from various sensors, processing blade-specific characteristics, adjusting pitch angles, and preventing blade damage. This universal controller consolidates multiple functions into a single system, reducing overall complexity despite the increased monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines individual blade sensor data, environmental conditions, and pitch control functions into a unified monitoring and control system. By merging these elements, the system achieves comprehensive blade protection without the complexity of separate independent systems for each function.
3Measurement precision
If real-time sensor data trending and analysis is performed for each blade, then accurate detection of blade anomalies is achieved, but the data processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by processing and analyzing sensor data specific to each individual blade rather than aggregating all data uniformly. Each blade's data is trended and analyzed according to its unique characteristics, allowing for precise anomaly detection tailored to local blade conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary trending and analysis of sensor data over time to establish baseline patterns for each blade before anomalies occur. This preliminary action enables the system to detect deviations from normal operation more accurately and respond proactively to potential issues.
4Reliability
If pitch angle adjustments are made frequently to prevent blade damage, then blade protection is improved, but the mechanical wear on pitch systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pitch angle adjustments based on real-time sensor data and blade loading conditions. Rather than static or predetermined pitch settings, the system continuously adapts pitch angles to match actual blade conditions, optimizing protection while minimizing unnecessary adjustments that would increase mechanical wear.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for monitoring and controlling a wind turbine to minimize rotor blade damage includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors indicative of at least one blade parameter of the rotor blade over a predetermined time period. The method also includes trending the sensor data for the predetermined time period with respect to at least one wind parameter. Further, the method includes determining at least one characteristic of the trended sensor data. Moreover, the method includes comparing the at least one characteristic of the trended sensor data to an operating threshold. In addition, the method includes implementing a control action if the comparison of the at least one characteristic of the trended sensor data and the operating threshold indicates blade damage is occurring or is likely to occur.