Wind Turbine Blade Ice Detection via Nacelle Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting ice accretion on wind turbine blades are not robust, cost-effective, or easy to implement, often requiring unreliable wind speed measurements and additional sensors, leading to power losses and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the iced condition of a wind turbine blade by calculating the difference between target and actual nacelle displacements using predetermined parameters like power coefficient, thrust coefficient, pitch angle, and tip speed ratio, without requiring wind speed measurement or additional sensors, utilizing standard signal treatment tools and existing control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ice detection methods are used (based on mass increase, natural frequency changes, power curve changes, or surface reflecting properties), then ice accretion can be detected, but the methods require additional sensors, unreliable wind speed measurements, or complex implementations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the wind turbine's own operational parameters (power, thrust, pitch angle, tip speed ratio) that are already being monitored for control purposes. By analyzing the relationship between these parameters and nacelle displacement, the system detects ice accretion without requiring external sensors or additional measurement systems. The wind turbine essentially monitors itself for ice conditions using existing control data.
Solution Approach 2:
The nacelle displacement sensor, originally used for control purposes to maintain optimal operation, is also utilized for ice detection. This multi-functional approach allows the same sensor to serve dual purposes: controlling the wind turbine operation and detecting ice accretion conditions, thereby avoiding the need for separate dedicated ice sensors.
2Measurement precision
If wind speed measurement is required for ice detection, then aerodynamic effects can be analyzed, but wind speed measurement is unreliable and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts and utilizes only the essential operational parameters (power, thrust, pitch angle, tip speed ratio) that are already available from the wind turbine's control system. By focusing on these critical parameters rather than requiring comprehensive wind speed measurements, the system achieves reliable ice detection without depending on potentially inaccurate wind speed data or additional measurement equipment.
3Reliability
If additional sensors are installed for ice detection, then detection capability improves, but cost and implementation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing sensors and operational data already present in the wind turbine for control functions. By analyzing the relationship between nacelle displacement and operational parameters (power, thrust, pitch angle, tip speed ratio), the system detects ice accretion without installing additional sensors. This self-service approach maintains detection capability while avoiding the cost and complexity of extra hardware.
4Productivity
If ice accretion is not detected timely, then power production continues, but mechanical loads increase and lifespan reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relationship between nacelle displacement and operational parameters to detect ice accretion conditions before they cause significant damage. By identifying ice buildup early through analysis of parameter deviations, the system enables timely intervention (such as reducing power output or activating de-icing systems) to prevent excessive mechanical loads and extend the wind turbine's operational lifespan while maintaining power production.
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
Enables robust, cost-competitive, and easy-to-implement ice detection during operation, allowing for timely de-icing or shutdown to prevent unnecessary loads and maintain normal power production levels.
Implementation Method 1
the accelerometer senses a gravity change due to an inclination of the nacelle, when the nacelle is displaced along the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
the displacement sensor is an accelerometer installed in the nacelle, which accelerometer measures an acceleration of the nacelle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
It is described a method and a device for determining an iced condition of a blade (6) of a wind turbine (1). A target nacelle displacement (DXTABLE) along a rotational axis (8) is acquired as a function of at least one predetermined parameter (A) in an ice-free condition of the blade (6); an actual nacelle displacement (DXFILT) along the rotational axis (8) is measured by a displacement sensor (9); and the iced condition of the blade (6) is determined if a difference between the target nacelle displacement (DXTABLE) and the actual nacelle displacement (DXFILT) exceeds a predetermined threshold value.