Wind Turbine Control Software with Protected Core and Local Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wind turbine control systems require full updates from manufacturers to adapt to changing framework conditions, leading to significant effort and cost, especially when framework conditions vary across different territorial areas or affect individual turbines.
Innovation Solution
A modular control system for wind turbines that includes an operating software with a core module and customer applications, allowing for the adaptation of operating parameters without full software updates. The system includes programming interfaces and safety devices to protect critical components and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating software is updated through the manufacturer to adapt to changing framework conditions, then the wind turbine can operate optimally under new conditions, but the effort and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The operating software is segmented into a core module (containing safety-critical functions and load models) and customer applications (containing adaptable operating modes). This segmentation allows customer applications to be updated independently without requiring full software updates from the manufacturer, reducing update complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Adaptable functionality is extracted from the core module and placed into separate customer applications. This extraction enables operators to add, remove, or modify operating modes locally without touching the protected core module, facilitating easy adaptation to changing conditions while keeping the update process simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating software is individually adapted for each region or individual turbine, then optimal operation under local conditions is achieved, but the effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service adaptation by providing operators with the capability to independently configure and update customer applications according to local framework conditions. Operators can load custom application code, configure parameters, and adapt operating modes without waiting for manufacturer intervention, significantly reducing adaptation time and enabling rapid response to regional changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the core module is made accessible for reprogramming, then maximum flexibility is achieved, but safety and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a protected core module and accessible customer applications. The core module containing safety-critical functions and load models is made inaccessible for reprogramming, while customer applications are fully accessible. This segmentation maintains reliability by protecting critical functions while providing flexibility through accessible application-level customization.
Solution Approach 2:
An application interface acts as an intermediary between customer applications and the core module. This interface enables safe communication and data exchange while preventing direct access to or modification of the protected core module. The intermediary ensures that customer applications can adapt to local conditions without compromising the safety and reliability of critical functions.
4Reliability
If manufacturer updates are required for every framework condition change, then system integrity is maintained, but costs and effort become unprofitable
Solution Approach 1:
The software architecture is segmented to distinguish between integrity-critical core module functions and adaptable customer applications. This segmentation allows independent updates of customer applications without requiring manufacturer involvement, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming full software updates while maintaining system integrity through protected core functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The core module is designed with universal safety functions and load models that remain unchanged, while customer applications provide region-specific adaptability. This multi-functionality approach allows a single protected core module to serve multiple regions and conditions, with local adaptations handled by configurable applications, maintaining integrity while reducing update costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control system (10) for a wind turbine (100) with operating software (14) for operating the wind turbine (100), wherein the operating software (14) is configured to regulate or control at least the electrical power of a wind turbine generator, the rotational speed of a wind turbine rotor (106), the azimuth angle of a wind turbine nacelle (104), and the pitch angle of at least one rotor blade (108) of the wind turbine rotor (106), wherein the operating software (14) comprises a core module (16) and at least one customer application (18). The customer application (18) is configured to determine a parameter (24), in particular a controlled variable, especially a setpoint, as a function of at least one function (20) of the customer application (18) and to provide it to the core module (16).The core module (16) is configured to detect and/or predict a load (36, 38) exerted on the wind turbine (100) during operation of the wind turbine (100), in the case of a detected or predicted load (36, 38) that is below a predefined load limit (34), to operate the wind turbine (100) depending on the parameter (24) provided by the customer application (18), and in the case of a detected or predicted load (36, 38) that is above the predefined load limit (34), to adjust the provided parameter (24) and to disregard the wind turbine (100) depending on the adjusted parameter (24) or the provided parameter (24) and to operate the wind turbine (100) with a parameter (40) determined in the core module (16).The controller (10) further comprises a first programming interface (44) and a second programming interface (46), wherein the first programming interface (44) is configured to program the core module (16), in particular the load limits (34), and wherein the second programming interface (46) is configured to program the customer applications (18), in particular their function (20), and to prevent reprogramming of the core module (16) via the second programming interface (46). The invention further relates to a method for a controller (10) and a computer program product.