Wind Turbine Drive Train Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large wind turbines experience increased mechanical stress and vibrations due to turbulent wind conditions, leading to premature wear and reduced competitiveness compared to other energy sources, as increasing material strength and size is costly and not entirely effective in reducing oscillations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mathematical modeling of the dynamical response and transfer function of wind power plant components to predict and actively control mechanical oscillations, using destructive interference and electronic torque control to dampen vibrations at sensitive areas, such as gearboxes and rotor blades, thereby reducing resonance-induced stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional material strength and higher quality materials are provided to compensate for mechanical stress, then the reliability of wind power plant components is improved, but the production costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by mathematically modeling the dynamical response and transfer functions of rotatable parts before actual operation, and by actively controlling blade pitch angles in advance to prevent resonant oscillations from occurring. This proactive approach reduces mechanical stress before it causes wear, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring excessive material strength or incurring higher production costs
2Reliability
If larger dimensioning of parts is implemented to reduce mechanical stress, then the reliability of wind power plant components is improved, but the competitiveness of wind power plants decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by actively adjusting the pitch angles of rotor blades in real-time based on measured oscillation parameters and modeled transfer functions. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying wind conditions and avoid resonant frequencies, thereby protecting components from excessive stress without requiring larger or more expensive parts, maintaining both reliability and competitiveness
3Reliability
If material strength is increased to compensate for mechanical stress, then the reliability of wind power plant components is improved, but the mechanical wear is not fully reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical protection (relying on material strength) with an active control system that uses sensors to measure oscillation parameters and a control mechanism to adjust blade pitch angles. This substitution of mechanical robustness with intelligent control actively prevents resonant oscillations from occurring, thereby reducing mechanical wear more effectively than simply increasing material strength
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
Substantially reduces mechanical wear and extends the lifespan of wind power plant components by predicting and mitigating oscillations before they cause damage, enhancing the reliability and competitiveness of wind energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the operation of at least one rotatable part in response to the dynamical response and/or transfer function of the group and at least the first parameter
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for reducing mechanical oscillation in a wind power plant 1 which comprises a plurality of rotor blades 2, a wind turbine drive train 3 and a generator 4, wherein the rotor blades 2 are rotatably connected to the generator 4 by the wind turbine drive train 3. The method comprises the steps: mathematically modeling the dynamical response and/or transfer function of a group of rotatable parts of the wind power plant, the group of rotatable parts comprising at least the wind turbine drive train 3, and determining dynamical response and/or transfer function of the group; in operation of the wind power plant 1, determining a first parameter characteristic of the mechanical oscillation at a first location, controlling the operation of at least one rotatable part in response to the dynamical response and/or transfer function of the group and at least the first parameter. In effect, resonance induced mechanical wear is reduced which leads to an increased life time of the wind power plant 1.