Wind Turbine Blade Flow Condition Detection and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face challenges in optimizing performance due to varying wind conditions, leading to flow separation and reduced lift and torque, which existing technologies fail to address effectively through continuous and accurate measurement and control of flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving sensors on wind turbine blades to measure and correlate sensor signals, comparing them to stored parameters to determine the flow condition and adjust aerodynamic settings, such as pitch angle and tip speed, to maintain an optimal flow state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If local actuators are employed to vary blade aerodynamics, then wind turbine performance is optimized and wind induced loading is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously measure flow conditions (such as flow separation detection) and provide signals to actuators that adjust blade aerodynamics in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automated optimization of wind turbine performance while managing the complexity through systematic control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment through integrated sensors and actuators that automatically detect flow conditions and modify blade aerodynamics without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to optimize its own performance and reduce loading adaptively.
2Productivity
If continuous measurement of flow conditions is implemented, then optimized operation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with sensor-based detection systems that use electrical or optical principles to measure flow conditions. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling continuous monitoring of parameters such as flow separation, pressure distribution, and blade aerodynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting flow separation, measuring pressure distribution, monitoring blade position, and providing data for control algorithms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous measurement capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a flow condition includes disposing a plurality of sensors on a surface and receiving a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The method further includes determining at least one correlation parameter based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. The method also includes receiving a plurality of stored parameters from a database, wherein each of the plurality of stored parameters is representative of a corresponding flow condition. The method also includes comparing the at least one correlation parameter with the plurality of stored parameters and selecting at least one matching stored parameter and determining a matching flow condition based on the at least one matching stored parameter.