Wind Turbine Configuration Monitoring for Parameter Deviation Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration parameter control in wind turbines is time-consuming, error-prone, and leads to late recognition of suboptimal or damaging operating conditions, due to long check intervals and potential software errors.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for comparing actual configuration parameters with target parameters, using a server and communication unit to detect deviations and output warnings, allowing continuous operation without frequent warnings by temporarily adjusting the target configuration set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration parameter control is used in wind turbines, then configuration parameters can be entered and checked, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone, leading to long check intervals and late recognition of suboptimal or damaging operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration parameter entry and checking with an automated computer-based system. The control unit automatically enters configuration parameters from coded sources (barcode, RFID, data carrier) and performs automated plausibility checks, eliminating manual labor and reducing errors. This substitution enables frequent automated checks without time loss, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine system performs self-configuration and self-validation through automated processes. The control unit automatically reads configuration parameters from coded sources, enters them into the control system, and performs plausibility checks without external intervention. This self-service capability enables continuous monitoring and immediate detection of configuration errors, eliminating long check intervals and improving operational reliability.
2Loss of time
If manual configuration parameter checking is performed at long intervals, then time consumption is reduced, but failure settings are recognized late and the wind turbine operates suboptimally, potentially causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated configuration parameter checks at the beginning of each operating cycle or shift change. The control unit proactively validates configuration parameters before operational issues can develop, enabling early detection of suboptimal settings. This preliminary action prevents harmful operating conditions from occurring, eliminating the trade-off between check frequency and damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system provides continuous feedback on configuration parameter validity through plausibility checks. When configuration parameters deviate from expected ranges or patterns, the system immediately generates warnings or error messages. This real-time feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring without time loss and prevents damage by alerting operators to configuration issues before they cause harm.
3Reliability
If automated configuration parameter control is implemented, then check intervals are shortened and errors are reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional communication units and database systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls wind turbine operation, automatically enters configuration parameters from coded sources, performs plausibility checks, and generates warnings. By consolidating these functions into an existing control unit rather than adding separate dedicated systems, the patent achieves automated configuration parameter control with minimal increase in device complexity while maintaining high operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coded information carriers (barcode labels, RFID tags, data carriers) as intermediaries to store and transmit configuration parameters. These intermediaries enable automated parameter entry without requiring complex manual input interfaces or extensive programming. The coded sources act as simple, reliable mediators between the physical configuration state and the digital control system, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automated validation.
4Ease of manufacture
If configuration parameters are manually entered in the plant control, then the process is simple to implement, but it is extremely error-prone to a variety of configuration parameters in the configuration parameter set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration parameter entry with automated reading from coded sources. The control unit automatically captures configuration parameters from barcode labels, RFID tags, or data carriers, eliminating manual typing and transcription errors. This substitution maintains implementation simplicity by using standard automated reading technologies while dramatically improving configuration accuracy through elimination of human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate digital copies of configuration parameters from physical coded sources. Instead of manually transcribing configuration data, the control unit automatically copies parameter values from barcode labels, RFID tags, or data carriers directly into the control system. This copying process ensures configuration accuracy by eliminating manual transcription errors while maintaining ease of implementation through use of standard copying technologies.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves generating a target configuration parameter set for a wind energy plant (10), storing the target configuration parameter set in a data base (25) and automated detecting an actual configuration parameter set of the wind energy plant. The target configuration parameter set is compared with the actual configuration parameter set. A warning is displayed in the case of deviations of the actual configuration parameter set from the target configuration parameter set. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for generating a target configuration parameter set for the plant controlling of a wind energy plant; and (2) an assembly for automatic configuration parameter monitoring in wind energy plants.