Wind Turbine Mode Switching for Cyclone-Safe Power Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbines are exposed to dangerous weather conditions, such as cyclones, which pose risks to their operation and require a method to ensure safe and continuous energy generation.

Innovation Solution

A control method that switches the wind turbine between operational modes based on weather conditions, connecting it to either the electrical grid for normal operation or an emergency power supply system during adverse weather, ensuring the turbine can operate safely and deliver energy through the emergency system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the wind turbine is positioned to maximise wind exposure, then energy generation is improved, but exposure to dangerous weather conditions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generationVSAvoidexposure to dangerous weather conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wind turbine is configured to dynamically change its operational state between normal operation mode and emergency mode based on weather conditions. The system can switch between connecting to the electrical grid and connecting to the emergency power supply system, allowing the turbine to adapt its behavior in response to environmental changes while maintaining optimal energy capture when conditions are favorable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The emergency power supply system is pre-configured and ready to activate when dangerous weather conditions are detected. Sensors monitor weather conditions and can trigger the emergency system in advance, ensuring that the turbine is prepared for safe operation before hazardous conditions fully impact the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the wind turbine operates in normal mode connected to the electrical grid, then energy delivery is improved, but safety during dangerous weather deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy deliveryVSAvoidsafety during dangerous weather

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency power supply system acts as an intermediary between the wind turbine and the electrical grid during dangerous weather conditions. When weather sensors detect hazardous conditions, the emergency system activates as a mediator, allowing the turbine to disconnect from the grid and operate independently, thereby ensuring safety while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor weather conditions and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the turbine can automatically switch between normal and emergency operational modes, ensuring that safety protocols are activated when conditions deteriorate while maintaining normal energy delivery when conditions are favorable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the emergency power supply system is activated, then safety during emergency conditions is improved, but energy generation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during emergency conditionsVSAvoidenergy generation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time weather conditions. During normal conditions, the turbine operates in energy-generation mode connected to the electrical grid. When dangerous weather is detected, it dynamically switches to safety mode using the emergency power supply system, thereby prioritizing safety over energy generation capability during emergency conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260015992A1Wind power plant and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 WINDFIN BV

AI summary

Method for controlling a wind power plant for generating and delivering electrical energy to an electrical grid (2), the wind power plant (1) comprising a wind turbine (3) configured to be selectively connected to the electrical grid (2), the method comprising controlling the wind turbine (3) among a plurality of operational modes on the basis of different weather conditions.