Wind Turbine Power Boost Charging for Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine power generation is limited by wind availability and reliability, leading to challenges in predicting power output and resulting in inefficient battery recharging, which can cause financial losses and wear on turbine components.

Innovation Solution

A method to increase wind turbine power generation above rated levels for short periods (power boosts) to charge an energy storage system, such as batteries or capacitors, without reducing grid power supply or relying on grid power, using a master controller to optimize power boosts based on wind conditions and energy storage capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wind turbines operate at rated power output continuously, then maximum power generation is achieved, but the ability to respond to power forecast deviations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidresponse to power forecast deviations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by charging energy storage systems during periods when wind conditions are favorable and turbines can operate above rated power. This stored energy is then available for later use when power forecast deviations occur, allowing the system to respond to grid needs without being constrained by continuous rated power operation limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by temporarily increasing turbine power output above rated levels during specific periods when wind conditions are optimal. This parameter change allows accumulation of excess energy in storage systems, which can then be dispatched to meet power forecast requirements, thus improving adaptability while maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If wind turbines operate below rated power to prevent wear and fatigue, then component longevity is improved, but average power production decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent longevityVSAvoidaverage power production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by alternating between normal operation at or near rated power and brief power boost periods above rated power. These periodic power boosts are used to charge energy storage systems, allowing turbines to spend most time at reliable power levels while periodically accumulating additional energy. This periodic strategy maintains component longevity by limiting sustained high-stress operation while still achieving higher average power production through the stored energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If batteries are recharged using power from the grid, then energy storage systems are replenished, but turbine operators incur additional costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery rechargingVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by using the wind turbine's own generated power to recharge the energy storage systems. During periods when wind conditions allow operation above rated power, the excess power is directed to charge batteries or capacitors. This eliminates the need to purchase recharging power from the grid, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the additional operational costs associated with grid-powered recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If wind turbines operate above rated power for extended periods, then power production increases, but turbine wear and fatigue increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower productionVSAvoidturbine wear and fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by conducting power boosts above rated levels only for the minimum time necessary to charge energy storage systems to sufficient levels. Once the storage systems are charged, the turbines return to normal operation at or near rated power. This preliminary charging approach allows the system to capture the benefits of high-power operation transiently while avoiding the cumulative wear and fatigue that would result from extended periods above rated power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach allows for continuous grid power supply while charging energy storage systems without overloading turbines, reducing wear and fatigue, and maintaining average power production, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the kinetic energy from the wind is converted to electrical power via a generator in the wind turbine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12146470B2Method for charging an energy storage system using a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

A method of charging an energy storage system, such as a battery, a capacitor, or a super capacitor, using a wind turbine is described. The method comprises establishing if turbine power production can be increased and establishing if the energy storage system is capable of taking a charge. If both conditions are met, the power generated by the wind turbine is increased above a rated power of the wind turbine and the additional power is used to charge the energy storage systems. A method of control is also disclosed.