Wind Turbine Control System Redundancy via Sensor Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems rely on unreliable single-point measurements of wind speed, which can be disrupted by rotor blades and weather conditions, making optimal control challenging and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A control system using two independent sensors to measure physical impacts on wind turbine components, allowing for two distinct control strategies based on actual conditions, enabling selective switching between them for optimal energy production and prolonged operational time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wind speed sensor is used to measure wind speed, then the control system is simple, but the measurement reliability deteriorates due to single-point measurement limitations and susceptibility to disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wind field measurement into multiple discrete measurement points by deploying several wind speed sensors at different locations (e.g., upwind and downwind of the rotor plane). This segmentation allows the system to capture spatial variations in wind speed and identify reliable measurements, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines measurements from multiple wind speed sensors to derive a more reliable control parameter. By merging data from several measurement points and applying validation logic, the system achieves higher measurement reliability while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integrated processing.
2Reliability
If redundant control systems are implemented, then control reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between primary and backup control parameters based on real-time validation of sensor data. The system adaptively selects the most reliable control parameter (wind speed from sensors or power output from generator) depending on operational conditions, achieving high control reliability without requiring permanently active redundant control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates self-diagnosis and self-validation capabilities that automatically assess the reliability of control parameters and switch between them without external intervention. This self-service approach maintains control reliability while minimizing the complexity of manual monitoring and switching mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If control is based on single-point wind speed measurement, then the control system is simple, but control precision deteriorates due to unrepresentative measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by positioning sensors at different locations relative to the rotor plane. This dimensional expansion in measurement space captures the spatial distribution of wind speed, providing more precise and representative control parameters without excessive system complexity.
4Reliability
If validation and switching between control parameters is implemented, then control reliability improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the validity and reliability of control parameters and automatically adjust the control strategy accordingly. This feedback-driven approach ensures high control reliability through systematic validation and switching, while the automated nature of the feedback loop prevents excessive manual control complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system and a method for controlling operation of a wind turbine are disclosed. A first sensor and a second sensor are arranged for sampling or continuously measuring a first physical value and a second physical value being representative of a first physical impact and a second physical impact on components of the wind turbine in order to provide a first and a second control parameter for controlling operation of the wind turbine. The first and second control parameters are distinct. During active generation of energy the control system is adapted to selectively switch between controlling the operation of the wind turbine either on the basis of the first control parameter or on the basis of the second control parameter, i.e. to selectively switch between two different, distinct and independent control strategies. The two control strategies allow redundancy in control of the operation of the wind turbine. Both control strategies are based on measurements of actual physical impacts affecting the components of the wind turbine, thereby making it possible to control the wind turbine in a more optimal manner than when using prior art control systems and methods, regardless of which control strategy is selected.