Wind Turbine Brake Torque Control via Dynamic Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines face challenges in managing brake torque during storm conditions and grid loss events, particularly when trying to yaw downwind, due to the normally-closed brake configuration which can result in excessive brake torque and limited control over yawing speed, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for configurable brake states, where some brakes are set to normally-open and others to normally-closed, enabling adjustable brake torque, allowing the wind turbine to yaw downwind during storms or grid loss by reducing brake torque and enabling controlled rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normally-closed brake configuration is used during grid loss, then the brake provides maximum torque to prevent uncontrolled movement, but the brake torque becomes excessively high and prevents the turbine from yawing downwind
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system transitions from a static normally-closed configuration to a dynamic system where the default state can be changed based on operating conditions. The control system receives signals indicating storm conditions and grid loss, then dynamically switches the brake from normally-closed to normally-open state, allowing adaptive response to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the brake from fixed (normally-closed) to variable by switching its default state. This parameter change allows the brake to provide high torque when needed for safety while enabling low torque operation when yawing downwind is required during storm conditions with grid loss.
2Reliability
If a normally-closed brake is used to prevent turbine movement during grid loss, then safety is improved, but the brake torque is too high to allow controlled yawing at 0.5 degrees/s
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system dynamically adjusts its default state based on operational requirements. During grid loss in storm conditions, the control system switches the brake to normally-open state, enabling controlled yawing at the desired speed of 0.5 degrees/s while maintaining safety through active control rather than passive mechanical blocking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the brake is configured to allow yawing during grid loss, then adaptability improves, but the risk of uncontrolled movement and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors operational status including grid availability and storm conditions, then adjusts the brake default state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the brake provides appropriate torque levels - allowing controlled yawing when safe while preventing uncontrolled movement that could damage equipment.
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 configuration allows for reduced brake torque during storms or grid loss, enabling the wind turbine to yaw downwind and maintain control, reducing the risk of equipment damage and improving operational reliability by allowing adjustable braking torque levels.
Implementation Method 1
a motor brake that has a brake torque demand during grid loss
Data Source
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AI summary
A braking system for a wind turbine (100) is provided. The system includes one or more motors (411-416) for driving a part of the wind turbine, a first group of brakes (421, 423, 425) for braking the part of the wind turbine, and a second group of brakes (422, 424, 426) for braking the part of the wind turbine. The first group of brakes is in a normally closed condition and the second group of brakes is in a normally open condition, so that a default brake torque can be selectively chosen that is less than a maximum brake torque.