Wind Turbine Control via Estimated Wind Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbine control systems are limited by their inability to effectively utilize incident wind speed data, leading to suboptimal energy production and increased wear on mechanical components due to the nonlinear characteristics of wind turbines, and rely on expensive and imprecise sensors for wind speed measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates incident wind speed using a dynamic model based on rotor speed, blade angle, and electric torque, allowing for precise control of blade pitch and torque to optimize energy production without the need for expensive sensors, by constructing a rotor dynamics model that relates wind speed to rotor speed, blade angle, and electric torque, and using harmonic decomposition to accurately determine wind speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wind speed is measured using sensors, then wind speed data is obtained for control, but the sensors are expensive and not very precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wind speed sensors with a mathematical model-based estimation system. The mechanical measurement system (sensors) is substituted by a computational approach using a dynamic model that processes readily available measurements (rotor speed, blade pitch angle, generator torque) to estimate wind speed, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and imprecise dedicated wind speed sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate estimation model that acts as a mediator between available measurements and the required wind speed data. Instead of directly measuring wind speed, the system uses the dynamic model as an intermediary to compute wind speed from other measurable parameters, achieving accurate wind speed estimation without direct sensing
2Ease of manufacture
If linear controllers are used for power regulation, then control is simple to implement, but performance is limited by the highly nonlinear characteristics of the wind turbine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control approach from linear parameter control to nonlinear adaptive control. By incorporating wind speed estimation and using a dynamic model, the controller adapts its behavior based on operating conditions, switching between different control strategies for startup, rated power, and shutdown phases, thereby achieving optimal performance across the full operating range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation in the control system. Rather than using fixed linear control parameters, the system dynamically adjusts control actions based on real-time wind speed estimation and rotor speed measurements, enabling the controller to respond optimally to changing wind conditions and nonlinear turbine characteristics
3Productivity
If wind speed above 15 m/s is utilized, then more energy can be harvested, but damage to the wind turbine must be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by continuously estimating wind speed and detecting approaching dangerous conditions before they occur. The system prepares for high wind events by anticipating the need for power regulation activation, allowing proactive rather than reactive control to prevent damage while maximizing energy capture during the transition phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring estimated wind speed, rotor speed, and power output. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust blade pitch and generator torque, maintaining optimal operation below 15 m/s and automatically activating power regulation when wind speeds approach dangerous levels, thereby balancing energy harvesting with damage prevention
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 method enhances wind turbine energy production and extends its lifespan by accurately accounting for wind speed dynamics, reducing mechanical stress and fatigue, and optimizing energy recovery through precise control of blade pitch and torque.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor, fixed to the nacelle, comprising several blades (usually three) and the nose of the wind turbine. The rotor is driven by the energy of the wind
Implementation Method 2
The rotor is driven by the energy of the wind, it is connected by a mechanical shaft directly or indirectly (via a gearbox and mechanical shaft system) to an electrical machine (electric generator...) which converts the energy collected in electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for controlling a wind turbine, with the aim of optimising the energy produced, said control taking into consideration an estimation of the incident wind speed V w in order to obtain optimum control (COM) θ sp , Τesp . The wind speed Vw is estimated by taking into account the dynamics of the system (MOD DYN), from the measurement of the speed of the rotor Ωr, from the torque imposed on the generator Te and from the orientation of the blades of the wind turbine Θ .