Wind Turbine Fatigue Life Estimation via Operational Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine control systems are inefficient in accurately predicting fatigue life consumption, as they do not consider cumulative operating hours at different power levels and wind directions, leading to sub-optimal Net-Present-Value (NPV) and unreliable data due to additional sensor costs and potential failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine actual operating times and corresponding wind conditions for wind turbines at multiple power levels, estimate loading conditions, and calculate accumulated fatigue life consumption by multiplying operating times by loading conditions, using look-up tables and sensor data to calibrate variance, allowing for more accurate fatigue life assessment and turbine operation optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wind turbine control systems use additional sensors to predict fatigue life consumption, then measurement precision may improve, but device complexity and reliability worsen due to sensor costs and potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional sensors by utilizing data already available from the wind turbine's control system. The method processes existing operational data (power levels, operating hours, wind conditions) to calculate fatigue life consumption without requiring any new sensing equipment, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine's existing control system serves dual purposes: it not only controls turbine operation but also calculates fatigue life consumption using its own stored operational data. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on additional sensors while maintaining accurate fatigue assessment, addressing both measurement precision and reliability concerns
2Productivity
If wind turbines operate beyond design life based on projected fatigue damage, then productivity increases, but reliability decreases due to uncertain actual fatigue life consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control system continuously calculates actual fatigue life consumption based on real operational data and compares it against projected values. This feedback loop enables operators to make informed decisions about extending or limiting operation beyond design life, maintaining reliability while optimizing productivity by operating only when actual fatigue consumption indicates safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of actual fatigue life consumption using accumulated operational data before making decisions about extended operation. By having this information available in advance, operators can confidently extend operational life when actual fatigue damage is lower than projected, or take preventive action when it exceeds projections, thus balancing productivity and reliability
3Reliability
If wind turbines are operated less than design life to prevent damage, then reliability improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating the turbine at reduced power levels during conditions that generate high fatigue loads, rather than shutting down completely. The control system selectively curtails operation only when necessary based on actual fatigue consumption calculations, maintaining productivity where safe while ensuring reliability when needed, thus optimizing the balance between the two competing objectives
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes determining an actual operating time for one or more wind turbine components at multiple power levels; determining a corresponding wind condition for each of the operating times at each power level; estimating a loading condition acting on the one or more wind turbine components at the multiple power levels and the corresponding wind conditions; estimating an accumulated fatigue life consumption of the one or more wind turbine components based at least partially on the operating times and the estimated loading conditions; and, operating the wind turbine based on the accumulated fatigue life consumption.