Wind Turbine Cooling Control via Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind power installations face efficiency losses due to active cooling systems that require continuous output, compromising the maximum output that can be delivered and increasing wear and tear, especially during partial-load operations and varying weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling cooling in wind power installations based on component temperature and operational evaluations, such as nominal output, reduced-output operations, and predicted weather conditions, to optimize efficiency by adjusting the intensity and activation of cooling systems, including pumps and blowers, ensuring efficient operation across different load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active cooling systems are permanently actuated to maintain optimal generator temperature and efficiency, then the generator operates at optimal efficiency, but the output is reduced due to the power consumption of the cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller monitors generator temperature and activates cooling only when temperature exceeds a threshold, allowing the system to alternate between cooling operation and idle state, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining generator reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling control system incorporates temperature feedback from the generator. The controller continuously monitors generator temperature and adjusts cooling activation based on real-time temperature readings, ensuring cooling is provided only when necessary to maintain optimal operating conditions
2Productivity
If temperature-dependent cooling is activated only when threshold is exceeded to reduce power consumption, then output is improved, but the generator may overheat and be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is activated in advance before the generator reaches dangerous temperature levels. By monitoring temperature continuously and activating cooling at a predetermined threshold, the system prevents overheating and potential damage before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous temperature feedback to monitor generator conditions and dynamically adjust cooling activation, ensuring the generator is protected from overheating while minimizing unnecessary cooling operation
3Temperature
If cooling systems are operated during partial-load operations to maintain component temperature, then component temperature is controlled, but the efficiency gain is reduced due to the power consumed by cooling
Solution Approach 1:
During partial-load operations, the cooling system operates periodically based on temperature thresholds rather than continuously. This allows the system to maintain component temperature control when necessary while minimizing power consumption during periods when cooling is not required
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling control system dynamically adjusts its operation based on actual generator temperature and load conditions. During partial-load operations, cooling is activated only when temperature exceeds thresholds, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and optimize the balance between temperature control and efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the efficiency of wind power generation by reducing the negative impacts of cooling on output, maintaining lower component temperatures, and extending the service life of components, while optimizing energy delivery to the grid, especially during partial-load operations and varying weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the coolant can be cooled again in a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
cooling of a component of the wind power installation
Data Source
AI summary
Method for operating a wind power installation which has a rotor and feeds an output power from wind, the latter having a wind speed, into an electric supply grid, and controls cooling of a component of the wind power installation, wherein an operational evaluation is carried out, in which an operating state or an operating state variation is evaluated, and the cooling is controlled as a function of a component temperature and additionally as a function of the operational evaluation.