Wind Turbine Blade Vibration Control via Dynamic Setpoint Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wind turbines face significant challenges in mitigating edgewise vibrations, which are exacerbated by larger rotor diameters and increased flexibility, leading to potential resonance and reduced fatigue life, with existing methods often resulting in considerable loss of Annual Energy Production (AEP).
Innovation Solution
A control module in wind turbines that continuously monitors blade vibrations, adjusts operation setpoints based on vibration evolution, allowing for dynamic adaptation of power output levels to mitigate vibrations without excessive derating, thereby reducing the risk of failures and maintaining power production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed power derating or fixed speed reduction is applied to mitigate vibrations, then vibration levels are reduced, but Annual Energy Production (AEP) is considerably lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of operation setpoints based on real-time vibration monitoring. Instead of fixed derating strategies, the control module continuously adapts power and torque setpoints according to measured vibration levels, allowing the system to operate at maximum power when vibrations are low and reduce power only when necessary to mitigate vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where vibration sensors continuously monitor blade vibrations and feed this information back to the control module. The control module processes this feedback and adjusts operation setpoints accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes both vibration mitigation and energy production.
2Productivity
If larger rotor diameters are used to capture more energy, then energy capture is improved, but blade flexibility increases leading to more vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stiffening solutions with a control-based approach. Instead of increasing blade stiffness through additional structural materials, the system uses active control of operation setpoints based on vibration feedback to mitigate vibrations, allowing large rotors to operate reliably without excessive mechanical reinforcement.
3Reliability
If continuous vibration monitoring and dynamic setpoint adjustment is implemented, then vibration mitigation is optimized, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates vibration monitoring and control functionality into the existing wind turbine control architecture. The control module performs multiple functions including power optimization, torque control, and vibration mitigation using a unified control framework, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
4Reliability
If fixed exclusion zones in rotor velocity domain are applied to avoid resonance, then resonance scenarios are avoided, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static exclusion zones with dynamic vibration-based control. Instead of pre-defining velocity ranges to avoid resonance, the system continuously monitors actual vibration levels and adjusts operation setpoints in real-time, allowing operation across the full velocity range while mitigating resonance effects as they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wind turbines comprising a rotor 18 including one or more blades 20, a control module 110 configured to operate the wind turbine according to a first operational setpoint, determine an adjusted setpoint for the wind turbine at least partially based on vibrations in blades and transition to the adjusted setpoint. Further, the control module 110 is also configured to determine remaining vibrations in blades and determine a new setpoint for the wind turbine based on the remaining vibrations. The present disclosure further relates to methods for operating a wind turbine.