Dynamic Pitch Angle Control for Wind Turbine Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine operation methods fail to maximize annual energy production while minimizing the risk of rotor blade stall and component overload, often resulting in suboptimal performance due to conservative pitch angle controls.
Innovation Solution
A method that modifies an optimal pitch angle curve with a safety buffer to prevent stall and overload, dynamically adjusting the buffer based on real-time wind conditions and component loads to allow closer operation to maximum power coefficients when conditions permit, using pre-generated curves or calculated adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pitch angle is controlled according to optimal pitch curves to maximize power coefficient, then the power output is improved, but the risk of rotor blade stall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static pitch angle control based on fixed optimal curves to dynamic pitch angle control that adapts to real-time wind conditions. The system continuously adjusts the pitch angle based on measured wind parameters (speed, direction, turbulence, shear) to optimize power output while preventing blade stall, resolving the contradiction between maximizing productivity and ensuring reliability.
2Reliability
If a safety buffer is applied to the pitch angle curve to prevent blade stall, then the reliability is improved, but the power production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the safety buffer size based on real-time wind conditions. The buffer is not fixed but varies according to measured parameters such as wind speed, direction, turbulence intensity, and wind shear. When conditions are calm, the buffer is reduced to maximize power production; when conditions are turbulent, the buffer is increased to prevent blade stall, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring wind parameters and using this information to adjust the pitch angle control strategy. The system receives feedback from anemometers, wind direction sensors, and other measurement devices to dynamically modify the safety buffer and pitch angle setpoints, enabling the system to optimize both power production and reliability based on actual environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If conservative pitch angle control is used to prevent excessive loads on components, then the reliability is improved, but the annual energy production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing conservative static pitch angle control with dynamic control that adapts to real-time wind conditions and component load states. The system continuously adjusts pitch angles based on measured wind parameters and monitored component loads to optimize energy production while preventing excessive loads, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine comprises a rotor having a set of wind turbine blades, said rotor being mounted on a tower. The method comprises the steps of: Providing a curve defining optimal pitch angle as a function of tip speed ratio for the wind turbine blades or as a function of wind speed. Modifying at least a part of said optimal pitch angle curve by applying a safety buffer, e.g. at tip speed ratios and/or pitch angles where there is a risk that the blades may stall and/or that overload is caused to the wind turbine, thereby obtaining a safety modified pitch angle curve. Operating the wind turbine in accordance with the safety modified pitch angle curve. Measuring one or more parameters providing information regarding wind conditions and/or loads on one or more components of the wind turbine, during operation of the wind turbine. Adjusting the safety buffer, based on said measurements, thereby obtaining an adjusted pitch angle curve, and operating the wind turbine in accordance with the adjusted pitch angle curve. The safety buffer is applied in order to ensure that the blades of the wind turbine do not stall and/or that the wind turbine is not overloaded, but it has the effect that the wind turbine is operated in a suboptimal manner from an energy production view. Since the safety buffer is adjusted based on measured parameters, it can be reduced if it is detected that the actual operating conditions are less severe than expected. This allows the wind turbine to be operated in a more optimal manner, thereby increasing the energy production of the wind turbine.