Wind Turbine Control Unit Load Management via Oblique Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind energy installations face high loads and vibrations when wind hits them at an angle, leading to unnecessary yield losses and potential damage due to simple criteria for reducing rotor rotation speed in existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a total load value based on both the oblique incident flow and the load state of the wind energy installation, reducing rotor rotation speed and potentially shutting down the installation when specific limit values are exceeded, using a functional relationship to accurately assess and respond to load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rotor rotation speed is reduced when the oblique incident flow angle becomes too great, then the load on the wind energy installation is reduced, but the rotor rotation speed is often reduced even when the installation is not actually subject to particular load, leading to yield losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from a simple oblique incident flow angle threshold to a comprehensive total load value that combines multiple parameters (oblique incident flow, load state, rotor rotation speed, generator power). This allows for more precise control decisions that reflect the actual load conditions, reducing unnecessary speed reductions and yield losses while still protecting against excessive loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors both the oblique incident flow and the actual load state of the installation. The control unit adjusts the rotor rotation speed based on feedback from load sensors and operational parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual conditions rather than relying solely on preset angle thresholds.
2Device complexity
If a simple criterion is used to reduce rotor rotation speed based on oblique incident flow angle, then the control system is simple, but the reduction occurs unnecessarily when the installation is not actually subject to load, causing yield losses
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors oblique incident flow, measures actual load state through various sensors, calculates the total load value, and controls rotor speed. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated control unit, managing complexity while enabling sophisticated yield optimization.
3Reliability
If the rotor rotation speed is reduced to prevent high loads from oblique incident flow, then the reliability of the installation is improved, but unnecessary speed reductions occur leading to yield losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static control approach (fixed angle threshold) to a dynamic control approach where the total load value continuously adapts to changing operating conditions. The control system dynamically adjusts rotor speed based on real-time measurements of oblique incident flow, load state, and operational parameters, ensuring reliability while maximizing yield under varying conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wind energy installation and a system for implementing the method. An oblique incident flow value, which represents the difference between the wind direction and the direction of a rotor axis of the wind energy installation, and a load value, which represents the load state of the wind energy installation, are determined. A total load value is determined based on the load value and the oblique incident flow value. The rotor rotation speed is reduced when the total load value is above a first limit value. The wind energy installation is shut down when, in addition, a second limit value is exceeded. The method makes it possible to react objectively to oblique incident flows and can reduce a load on a wind energy installation without causing large yield losses.