Wind Turbine Control System Dynamic De-rating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wind turbine control strategies often result in a loss of potential power production due to inadequate adjustment of de-rating in response to improved wind conditions, leading to mechanical loads exceeding design limits.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing sensors, such as Micro Inertial Measurement Units, to detect loading conditions and determine correction parameters, allowing for real-time adjustments in pitch angle, generator torque, and power output to optimize power production while maintaining loads within design limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional de-rating strategies are applied to maintain mechanical loads within design limits, then reliability is improved, but power output is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical load managementVSAvoidpower output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the de-rating level based on real-time monitoring of mechanical loads and wind conditions. Instead of applying a fixed de-rating, the system continuously adapts the power output reduction to match actual turbulence intensity and load conditions, allowing maximum power extraction when conditions permit while maintaining reliability when loads approach design limits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback control mechanism where mechanical load measurements from sensors are fed back to the controller, which then adjusts the generator torque and blade pitch accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that power output is optimized while maintaining mechanical loads within safe operating boundaries through continuous monitoring and adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If fixed de-rating is applied regardless of wind conditions, then mechanical loads are controlled, but productivity is reduced due to loss of potential power production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload controlVSAvoidpower production
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters (power setpoint, blade pitch angle, generator torque) based on measured turbulence intensity and wind conditions. When turbulence is low and loads are well below design limits, the system increases power output parameter to maximize productivity. When turbulence increases and loads approach design limits, the system adjusts parameters to reduce power output and maintain load control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The de-rating level is made dynamic rather than fixed, adapting in real-time to changing wind conditions and turbulence intensity. The system continuously adjusts the relationship between available wind power and actual power extraction based on current mechanical load conditions, optimizing the balance between reliability and productivity for each moment in time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If rapid adjustment to de-rating is implemented in response to extreme gusts, then mechanical integrity is protected, but power output is reduced due to premature de-rating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical integrityVSAvoidpower output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing anticipatory control actions based on predicted load trends rather than waiting for loads to actually reach critical levels. The controller uses rate-of-change detection and predictive algorithms to apply gentle power reduction before extreme loads occur, preventing mechanical stress while minimizing power loss compared to reactive de-rating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring wind conditions and preparing control adjustments in advance. When turbulence intensity increases or load trends indicate approaching design limits, the system proactively adjusts power output before critical loads occur, maintaining mechanical integrity while reducing the severity and duration of power reductions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2821637B1System and method for controlling a wind turbine
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2821637B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2821637B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2821637B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems and methods 800 for controlling a wind turbine 10 are disclosed. The method includes: measuring 802 a loading condition acting on the wind turbine 10; determining 804 a first scaler factor based on the measured loading condition; determining 806 a correction parameter for the wind turbine 10, the correction parameter being a function of at least two measured operating conditions and representative of a real-time operational state of the wind turbine; determining 808 a second scaler factor based on the correction parameter; calculating 810 an adjustment set point based on the first scaler factor and the second scaler factor; and, controlling 812 the wind turbine 10 based on the adjustment set point.