Wind Turbine Tilt Optimization via Dynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines with a fixed rotor tilt angle of six degrees are suboptimal for energy capture and minimize turbine blade root moments, leading to reduced electrical power output in partial load conditions and increased fatigue due to vertical wind shear, as they do not adapt to specific site conditions or weather patterns.
Innovation Solution
A method and controller system that determines an optimal tilt angle for wind turbines based on site conditions, including wind shear, wind speed, and operating points, converting this angle into tilt and roll angles for platform control to maximize energy capture and minimize loads, using feedback control and lookup tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed tilt angle of six degrees is used, then the turbine blade root bending moments are reduced in vertical wind shear conditions, but the effective area for incident wind is reduced and electrical power output decreases in partial load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed tilt angle to a dynamically adjustable tilt angle that can change in real-time based on operating conditions. The control system continuously monitors wind speed, power output, and blade root moments, then adjusts the tilt angle optimally for current conditions - increasing tilt in partial load to maximize power capture, and decreasing tilt in high wind shear to minimize blade root moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the tilt angle parameter according to different operating conditions. The control system modifies the tilt angle parameter based on measured wind speeds and power output, enabling the system to optimize between power generation and load reduction by changing this critical geometric parameter in response to environmental conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tilt angle is designed to be the 'best fit' across all wind speed and vertical wind shear conditions, then the device can be operated universally, but the tilt angle is not optimal for energy capture or minimizing loads for each specific site and weather pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that continuously monitors actual operating conditions including wind speed, power output, and blade root bending moments. The system uses this feedback information to determine the optimal tilt angle for current conditions and adjusts the tilt accordingly, enabling the turbine to adapt to specific site conditions and weather patterns rather than relying on a fixed universal setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the tilt angle to dynamically adjust based on real-time monitoring of operating conditions. The system transitions from a static universal configuration to a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes performance for each specific site and weather pattern by continuously modifying the tilt angle in response to measured parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to methods, controllers and computer program products for determining an optimal tilt angle for a wind turbine. One or more signals indicating site conditions at and/or near a wind turbine are received 402 and an optimal tilt angle for said wind turbine based on said received one or more signals indicating site conditions is determined 403. The optimal tilt angle is then transmitted 404 to a platform controller such that said wind turbine can be inclined said optimal tilt angle.