Wind Turbine Control via Turbulence-Dependent Operating Point Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines operating in partial load ranges face inefficiencies due to the inability to adjust the operating point effectively to maximize power output, as existing control strategies do not adequately account for turbulence and rotor blade conditions, leading to suboptimal power coefficient and increased risk of flow stall.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting the operating point, specifically the high-speed number and pitch angle, based on real-time turbulence measurements and rotor blade contamination, using a measuring system to optimize power output and prevent flow stall by maintaining a variable distance from the maximum power coefficient operating point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wind turbine operates at the operating point with maximum power coefficient, then power output is maximized, but the risk of flow stall increases under turbulent conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating point adjustable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically shifts the operating point between the maximum power coefficient point and a safer operating point with lower tip speed ratio, depending on real-time turbulence conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize power output when conditions are favorable while preventing flow stall when turbulence increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (tip speed ratio and pitch angle) based on turbulence intensity. When turbulence exceeds a threshold, the system reduces the tip speed ratio and adjusts the pitch angle to move to a safer operating point. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction by allowing maximum power coefficient operation under calm conditions while preventing flow stall under turbulent conditions.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine operates at a shifted operating point with higher tip speed ratio to account for turbulence, then the risk of flow stall is reduced, but the power coefficient decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating point based on real-time turbulence measurements. Rather than operating continuously at a reduced power coefficient, the system maintains maximum power coefficient operation when turbulence is low and only shifts to the safer operating point when turbulence exceeds thresholds. This dynamic approach minimizes the loss in power coefficient while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by only shifting the operating point when necessary (when turbulence exceeds a threshold). Instead of always operating at the reduced power coefficient point, the system uses the shifted operating point only partially - specifically when turbulence conditions require it - thereby minimizing the impact on overall power coefficient while maintaining safety.
3Productivity
If real-time turbulence measurement and dynamic operating point adjustment is implemented, then power output optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a measuring system to detect turbulence intensity and feeding this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the operating point based on this feedback. This feedback mechanism enables automatic optimization of power output without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-adjusts based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting turbulence conditions and adjusting its own operating point without external intervention. The measuring system and control system work together to autonomously optimize power output and prevent flow stall, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms or manual operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine (100) and to an associated wind turbine (100). The wind turbine (100) is operated according to an operating point, wherein: the operating point is determined at least by a pitch angle (γ) and a tip speed ratio (λ); one of the operating points (411, 412, 413) corresponds to a maximum power coefficient; and in a partial load range (200) the wind turbine (100) is operated at an operating point (421, 422, 423) which differs from the operating point (411, 412, 413) with the maximum power coefficient. The interval (Δλ) of the operating point (421, 422, 423) from the operating point (411, 412, 413) with the maximum power coefficient is set depending on a measured degree of turbulence (Ti).