Wind Turbine Thrust Limits Based on Extreme Load Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine operation methods fail to effectively set maximum thrust limits based on estimated extreme load values, potentially leading to excessive loads on components like blades or the rotor-nacelle assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving sensor data from wind turbines, determining maximum load values, estimating extreme load values through statistical analysis or models, and setting a maximum thrust limit by comparing these values to reference values to prevent exceeding the limit, thereby adjusting operational parameters to maintain safe wind thrust forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum thrust limits are set based on accumulated load characteristics over time, then the reliability of the wind turbine is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing thrust limit values in lookup tables based on accumulated load characteristics before operation. The control system simply queries these pre-computed tables rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thus improving reliability through thorough advance analysis while keeping the operational control system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating simplified representations of complex load characteristics through lookup tables. Instead of implementing the full complexity of accumulated load analysis algorithms in real-time control, the system copies the essential thrust limit information into accessible tabular form that can be quickly queried during operation.
2Productivity
If real-time sensor data analysis is performed to determine maximum thrust limits, then the productivity of the wind turbine is improved, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the complex computational analysis of load characteristics and thrust limit determination in advance, storing results in lookup tables. During real-time operation, the system only needs to query these tables based on current sensor readings, achieving rapid response that maintains productivity without requiring complex real-time computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time mechanical/computational analysis with a data-driven lookup approach. Instead of performing sophisticated real-time calculations, the system substitutes this with simple table queries based on sensor inputs, dramatically reducing computational requirements while maintaining accurate thrust limit control.
3Strength
If conservative thrust limits are used to prevent excessive loads, then the strength and durability of turbine components is improved, but the energy capture and power output decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thrust limits that adapt to actual accumulated load characteristics rather than using fixed conservative values. The system continuously monitors load history and adjusts thrust limits accordingly, allowing the turbine to operate closer to component strength limits when loads have been low, thereby maximizing power output while still ensuring durability through data-driven safety margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thrust limit parameter dynamically based on accumulated load characteristics. Instead of using a fixed conservative threshold, the system adjusts the thrust limit parameter according to actual operational experience and load history, optimizing the balance between component protection and energy capture by modifying this critical parameter in response to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a wind turbine having a rotor. Sensor data is received from one or more sensors of the wind turbine and maximum load values are obtained on the basis of the sensor data. The maximum load values are indicative of maximum loads acting on a component of the wind turbine such as a rotor blade. An estimated extreme load value, such as a 50-year return load, is obtained on the basis of the maximum load values and compared with a reference value. A maximum thrust limit is set on the basis of the comparison, and the wind turbine is operated in accordance with the maximum thrust limit so that a wind thrust force acting on the rotor does not exceed the maximum thrust limit.