Wind Turbine Blade Profile Control via Cross-Blade Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems face challenges in optimizing performance and minimizing wear, particularly in larger turbines with varying wind conditions, as they struggle to effectively synchronize blade pitch control to maximize energy capture and extend component lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the profile of a wind turbine blade, utilizing sensor systems to determine and share blade states between blades, allowing for partial control of one blade's profile based on the state of another, thereby optimizing energy capture and reducing wear by leveraging operational parameters and measurements from leading blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional independent pitch control of each blade is used, then the control system is simple, but energy capture is not optimized and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from sensor systems on each blade to determine blade states (position, pitch angle, loads) and uses this feedback information to continuously optimize the pitch control of other blades, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to varying wind conditions and maximizes energy capture while reducing wear
Solution Approach 2:
The control system determines the state of a first blade and uses this information to proactively control the pitch profile of a second blade before the second blade encounters similar wind conditions, allowing predictive optimization of energy capture and wear reduction based on leading blade experience
2Productivity
If pitch control is optimized for maximum energy capture, then productivity increases, but wear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch profile of each blade is dynamically adjusted based on real-time blade states and wind conditions rather than using fixed pitch angles. The control system continuously modifies pitch commands to optimize the trade-off between energy capture and wear reduction, adapting the control strategy as conditions change
Solution Approach 2:
The control system copies the operational experience and state information from the first blade to control the second blade, using the leading blade's data to inform pitch decisions on trailing blades. This allows the system to replicate successful control strategies across multiple blades while accounting for individual blade positions and conditions
3Productivity
If individual pitch control for each blade is implemented, then blade performance is optimized, but control complexity and sensor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor systems on each blade serve multiple functions: determining blade position, measuring pitch angle, detecting blade loads, and providing input for controlling both the individual blade and other blades. This multi-functional use of sensors reduces the need for additional dedicated sensors while enabling sophisticated individual pitch control
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention regards an apparatus or method for controlling the profile of a blade on a wind turbine having at least a first blade and a second blade, the first blade comprise at least one first sensor system adapted to determine a first blade state and the second blade comprise at least one second sensor system adapted to determine a second blade state, wherein the profile of the second blade is controlled based on the determined first blade state and the determined second blade state.