Wind Turbine Load Control Using Tower Deflection Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling tower loads and aerodynamic thrust, which affects operational efficiency and structural integrity, necessitating a more effective method for load determination and control.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing sensors to detect movement and generate deflection profiles of wind turbine towers, determining thrust and tower loads through time and frequency domain analysis, and implementing control actions such as adjusting rotor blade pitch, power output, and nacelle yaw based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional load measurement methods are used, then the system is simple and low cost, but measurement precision and reliability of thrust and tower load data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical load measurement systems with an indirect measurement approach using motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, inclinometers) to detect tower and nacelle movements. The controller then calculates thrust and tower loads from this motion data through signal processing and mathematical models, eliminating the need for complex direct force sensors while improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If better load understanding is achieved through advanced measurement, then operational optimization and turbine life extension improve, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where motion sensors continuously monitor tower and nacelle movements, the controller processes this data to determine thrust and tower loads in real-time, and the system automatically adjusts operational parameters (pitch, power, yaw) based on the determined loads. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enhances turbine reliability and extends operational life while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) for controlling loads of a wind turbine (10) includes receiving sensor signals from one or more sensors (54, 56, 58) being indicative of a movement of a nacelle (16) of the wind turbine (10) from a reference point. More particularly, the movement corresponds, at least, to a tilt (70) and/or a displacement (72) of the wind turbine (10) tower and/or nacelle (160. The method (100) also includes generating a deflection profile (78) of the tower along its overall length from a bottom end to a top end thereof based on the sensor signals. Further, the method (100) includes determining at least one of a thrust or a tower load of the wind turbine (10) from the deflection profile (78). In addition, the method (100) includes implementing a control action for the wind turbine (10) based on the thrust and/or the tower load.