Wind Turbine Power Control for Cold Weather Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines operating in extremely cold conditions face challenges such as increased loads, lubricant viscosity issues, and material brittleness, leading to potential damage and operational inefficiencies, which existing solutions often address inadequately due to the need for specialized and expensive equipment adaptations.
Innovation Solution
A method that reduces wind turbine power generation and rotor speed as a function of ambient temperature, with linear reductions below a first limit temperature and potential shutdown at a second limit temperature, along with using generated power for internal heating and minimal grid feeding, to mitigate these challenges and maintain self-sufficiency in remote locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wind turbine operates at full power in extremely cold conditions, then energy generation is maximized, but component stress and damage risk increase due to increased loads, lubricant viscosity, and material brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the wind turbine's power output and rotational speed based on real-time temperature measurements. The control system dynamically modifies operational parameters to match changing environmental conditions, transitioning from static fixed-power operation to adaptive dynamic control that responds to temperature fluctuations throughout the day and across seasons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the power output and rotational speed parameters as a function of ambient temperature. When temperature drops below a first limit temperature, the power output is reduced linearly. This changes the operational parameters to account for increased air density and reduced material tolerance, preventing overheating and mechanical stress while maintaining safe operation.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine reduces power output in cold conditions, then component stress is reduced, but energy generation and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of cold temperatures into a beneficial control parameter. Instead of viewing low temperature solely as a damage risk, the system uses temperature data to optimize operation by reducing power output proportionally, which prevents damage while still generating useful energy. The linear reduction function transforms the harmful cold condition into a manageable operational adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring ambient temperature with a temperature sensor and using this information to adjust the power output and rotational speed. The control system receives feedback from the temperature measurement and automatically modifies operational parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to environmental conditions without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If specialized materials and equipment are used for very low temperatures, then reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting operational parameters (power output, rotational speed) based on temperature rather than changing the physical materials or hardware components. This software-based adaptation avoids the complexity and cost of specialized cold-weather equipment while achieving reliable operation through intelligent control that accounts for temperature-dependent properties like air density and material behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a control system that can operate the wind turbine across a wide range of temperatures using the same hardware platform. The temperature-dependent control algorithm allows a single, standardized wind turbine design to function reliably in both moderate and extremely cold conditions without requiring specialized cold-weather variants, making the system universally applicable.
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 reduces stress on wind turbine components, prevents damage from low temperatures, and ensures continued operation with minimal external power reliance, enhancing durability and reliability in cold conditions while reducing the need for specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine (100) with an aerodynamic rotor (106) and a generator (107), which produce electrical power from wind (105) with a variable wind speed (105)
Implementation Method 2
a wind turbine (100) with an aerodynamic rotor (106) and a generator (107), which produce electrical power from wind (105)
Implementation Method 3
using generated power for internal heating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for feeding electrical energy into an electrical supply grid by means of a wind turbine (100), wherein the wind turbine (100) generates electric power (P) from wind having a variable wind speed by means of an aerodynamic rotor and a generator and feeds said electric power at least partially into the electrical supply grid and/or uses said electric power at least partially for supplying power to electrical devices of the wind turbine, wherein the electrical active power (P) generated is set depending on an ambient temperature (T) and/or wherein the rotor has a variable speed and the speed is set depending on the ambient temperature (T).