Wind Turbine Load Management via Dynamic Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face excessive loads due to unfavorable weather and internal conditions, leading to potential damage and reduced energy production, as existing solutions either stop the turbine or fail to account for multiple variables affecting load levels.
Innovation Solution
A method that reduces rotor speed and/or generator power in response to detected unfavorable conditions, using a range of sensors to monitor wind direction, turbulence, and component states, allowing for more comprehensive load management and continued operation during adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wind turbine is stopped under unfavorable weather conditions to avoid excessive loads, then the safety and structural integrity of the turbine is improved, but the availability and energy production are reduced substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the rotor speed and generator power output based on real-time monitoring of multiple parameters (wind speed, turbulence, yaw error, temperature, vibration). Instead of a static stop/go decision, the system dynamically modulates operational parameters to maintain safety while maximizing energy production during unfavorable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes operational parameters (rotor speed, generator power) in response to detected unfavorable conditions. By adjusting these parameters within safe operating limits rather than complete shutdown, the system maintains both safety and productivity. The control system modifies power output and rotor speed based on the severity and type of unfavorable condition detected.
2Productivity
If the wind turbine operates at reduced power or speed level while waiting for service work, then the availability and energy production are maintained, but the turbine operates under suboptimal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring multiple parameters (temperature, vibration, power output) and adjusting rotor speed and generator output accordingly. During service waiting periods, the feedback loop ensures the turbine operates within safe parameter limits while maintaining maximum allowable power production, automatically responding to any parameter excursions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and monitoring systems are deployed to detect unfavorable conditions, then the measurement precision and detection capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that uses multiple sensors for multiple purposes. The same sensor suite monitors both unfavorable weather conditions and internal turbine states, and the control system performs both detection and control functions. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
In a wind turbine and in a method of operating a wind turbine, the rotor speed and/or the generator power are reduced in response to variables exceeding predetermined values, the variables being one or more of wind direction relative to horizontal direction of main shaft of turbine, turbulence of the wind, or any other variable sensed by one or more sensors mounted on components of turbine.