Wind Turbine Controller Configuration Using a Programming Enabling Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and variability of wind turbine types require a reliable, safe, and simple method for configuring controllers, as incorrect settings can lead to unsatisfactory performance or component breakdowns, and existing solutions are time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A control system for wind turbines that includes a controller, a data storage unit, and a connection interface requiring a programming enabling key for initiating a programming mode, ensuring secure and accurate communication of controller-specific data, with features like manual data entry and trusted data sources to prevent errors and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different wind turbine types require different controller configurations, then the wind turbine can be adapted to various specifications, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring controller specific data in a data storage unit before the controller is installed. The configuration data is prepared in advance and stored locally, so that when the controller is installed, the configuration is automatically provided without requiring time-consuming manual setup. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability through pre-prepared type-specific data while eliminating configuration complexity and time consumption.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of controllers is performed, then flexibility in setting parameters is achieved, but the risk of incorrect configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the controller to automatically retrieve and use controller specific data from the data storage unit without requiring manual configuration. The controller autonomously accesses the pre-stored configuration data corresponding to its type, eliminating human error while maintaining the ability to access and adjust parameters when needed. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring configuration accuracy through automated data retrieval while preserving operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If programming mode is easily accessible, then configuration speed is improved, but the risk of unauthorized or incorrect programming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a programming enabling key as an intermediary between the user and the programming mode. The key must be inserted into the connection interface to enable programming mode, acting as a physical mediator that controls access. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining configuration speed when authorized (the key insertion is a simple action) while ensuring programming security by preventing unauthorized access without the key.
Data Source
AI summary
The wind turbine comprises at least one controller arranged to control a function of the wind turbine, and a data storage unit arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, where the data storage unit is associated with the at least one controller to enable communication of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller. The method comprises detecting a connection between a programming enabling key and a connection interface dependent on a presence of the programming enabling key in proximity of the connection interface, initiating a programming mode wherein a control unit is enabled to receive controller specific data or wind turbine specific data from which the controller specific data can be determined, and obtaining the controller specific data or the wind turbine specific data via a manual action or via a trusted data source.