Wind Turbine Farm Control via Ambient Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wind turbine farms face challenges in optimizing power production due to wake effects caused by upwind turbines, leading to increased loads and reduced power output in downwind turbines, with existing control methods providing limited options for third-party operators and requiring complex optimization methods or new communication links.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system that communicates with wind turbines via a data link, using ambient sensors to calculate control commands based on relationships between operating parameters, allowing indirect control of wind turbines to reduce turbulence and optimize power production, compatible with different types and manufacturers, and capable of operating with limited control options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbines are arranged in a farm with predetermined patterns, then land utilization is optimized, but wake effects cause increased loads and reduced power production in downwind turbines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wind turbine farm controllable through remote control units that can dynamically adjust operational parameters. The system enables real-time modification of turbine behavior based on wake effects, allowing the farm to adapt to changing wind conditions and optimize power production while managing turbulence impacts on downwind turbines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by remotely adjusting operational parameters of wind turbines such as pitch angle, rotor speed, and power output. The control system modifies these parameters based on measured wake effects and turbulence levels, enabling optimization of power production while reducing harmful impacts on downwind turbines located in turbulent airflow paths.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the layout of wind turbines is changed to increase distances between turbines, then wake effects are reduced, but land utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently changing the spatial layout, the system dynamically controls turbine operation to mitigate wake effects. Remote control units adjust turbine parameters in real-time based on measured turbulence and wake conditions, allowing turbines to operate closer together while still reducing harmful effects through active control rather than passive spatial separation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If maximum design parameters of wind turbines are lowered, then wake effects are reduced, but power production is reduced due to non-optimal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of turbine parameters based on real-time wake effect measurements. Rather than permanently operating at reduced parameters, the control system optimizes power production by adjusting turbine settings in response to measured turbulence and wake conditions, achieving both high power output and wake effect mitigation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring wake effects and turbulence levels, then using this information to adjust turbine operational parameters. The control system continuously monitors the impact on downwind turbines and modifies upstream turbine settings accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes both power production and wake effect management.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing control systems are used, then communication infrastructure is maintained, but control options for third-party operators are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing remote control units that can interface with different wind turbine manufacturers' systems through standardized communication protocols. The control system provides multiple control options for third-party operators while maintaining compatibility with existing turbine infrastructure, enabling versatile farm-level control without requiring manufacturer-specific proprietary systems.
5Adaptability or versatility
If new communication links are installed to enable remote control, then control capabilities are enhanced, but system complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves versatile remote control capabilities by utilizing existing communication infrastructure and standardized protocols. The remote control units can interface with different turbine manufacturers through universal communication standards, enabling enhanced control capabilities without requiring installation of new dedicated communication links for each turbine.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and system for operating a wind turbine farm, comprising a plurality of wind turbines (1) having at least one ambient sensor (8) and at least one operating sensor (10). The wind turbines (1) are in communication with a control unit (2)， which in turn is connected to at least one database (3) in which the ambient data and the operating data are stored. The control unit (2) determines a desired first control parameter (11) for controlling a selected wind turbine. A second control parameter (12) is then calculated based on the first control parameter (11) using a relationship (13) between a first operating parameter (11) and a second operating parameter (12). This relationship (13) and a normal second control parameter are used to generate a reduced second control parameter (12) which is transmitted to the selected wind turbine. The control unit (2) monitors the change of the first operating parameter (11) to determine when the selected wind turbine has reached the reduced operating level.