Wind Turbine Controller Adaptive Threshold Cold Weather
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems face challenges in defining a single operating threshold value suitable for all conditions, particularly due to variations in structural loads caused by ambient air density differences between warm and cold environments, which can lead to inefficient operation and potential damage from excessive wind speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a meteorological sensor and a wind turbine controller, which calculates a continuous operating threshold value based on meteorological conditions such as air temperature and density, allowing for dynamic adjustment of wind turbine operation to prevent structural loads by applying a continuous function to these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single fixed operating threshold value is used for all conditions, then the control system is simple to operate, but it cannot account for variations in structural loads due to ambient air density differences between warm and cold environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed threshold to a dynamic adaptive threshold that automatically adjusts based on real-time meteorological conditions. The controller continuously monitors ambient air temperature and density, then dynamically recalculates the operating threshold using a continuous function, allowing the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the operating threshold value based on changes in meteorological parameters (temperature and air density). The continuous function relates these parameters to the threshold, automatically adjusting it to account for variations in structural loads caused by different air densities in warm versus cold environments.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine is disabled to avoid structural loads in cold weather, then structural safety is improved, but power production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the operating threshold based on meteorological conditions rather than using a fixed conservative limit. This allows the wind turbine to operate at higher wind speeds in cold, dense air conditions where structural loads are naturally higher, while still maintaining safety margins. The continuous function dynamically modifies the threshold to optimize both safety and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring ambient air temperature and density, then using this information to adjust the operating threshold in real-time. This closed-loop approach ensures that the wind turbine operates safely within adjusted parameters while maximizing power production opportunities, rather than relying on fixed conservative limits that unnecessarily restrict operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a continuous function is applied to calculate operating threshold values based on meteorological conditions, then adaptability to varying environmental conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes through a continuous function that relates meteorological parameters (temperature and air density) to the operating threshold. This mathematical relationship provides a systematic and automated method for adjusting thresholds, reducing the need for complex lookup tables or manual calibration while maintaining high adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (400) for controlling an operation of a wind turbine (100) is provided. The system includes a meteorological sensor (125) configured to transmit a meteorological condition signal indicating a meteorological condition. A wind turbine controller (205) is configured to determine a calculated operating threshold value based at least in part on a continuous function and the meteorological condition, and control an operation of the wind turbine based at least in part on the calculated operating threshold value.