Wind Turbine Sensor Fault Accommodation for Continued Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines experience decreased power production due to derating when sensor faults occur, necessitating systems and methods to maintain operation while minimizing derating.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detects sensor faults and generates a fault accommodation signal using sensor redundancy and modeling to emulate missing signals, allowing continued operation and maximizing power production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller implements alternative control scheme upon receiving unacceptable information from the component monitoring system, then the components are protected from overload condition, but the power production of the wind turbine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting sensor faults and generating fault accommodation signals before the turbine needs to be derated or parked. The fault detection module continuously monitors sensor outputs, and upon detecting a fault condition, the system proactively generates accommodation signals using remaining healthy sensors or modeling to maintain control without requiring immediate derating, thus preventing the need for productivity loss while ensuring component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault accommodation signal acts as an intermediary between the faulty sensor and the control system. Instead of directly using the faulty sensor output or shutting down, the system introduces a fault accommodation signal that mediates the control decisions. This intermediary signal is generated by the fault detection module using data from healthy sensors or modeling, allowing the control system to operate with reduced or no derating while still protecting components from overload conditions.
2Reliability
If the controller derates the wind turbine to protect components from overload condition, then the components are protected, but the power production of the wind turbine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using the remaining healthy sensors and/or modeling to generate fault accommodation signals that maintain control of the wind turbine. Instead of requiring external intervention or complete shutdown, the system autonomously compensates for the faulty sensor using available healthy sensor data and pre-established modeling relationships, thereby maintaining power production while protecting components without needing to derate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters by switching from using faulty sensor outputs to using fault accommodation signals generated from healthy sensor data and modeling. This parameter change allows the control system to maintain operational parameters within safe limits while avoiding derating. The fault detection module dynamically adjusts which parameters are used for control based on sensor health status, enabling continued operation at full capacity without component overload risk.
3Reliability
If the controller parks the wind turbine to protect components from overload condition, then the components are protected, but the power production of the wind turbine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting sensor faults and generating fault accommodation signals before parking becomes necessary. The continuous monitoring and proactive signal generation allows the system to maintain control and power production while protecting components, eliminating the need for parking as a protective measure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault accommodation signal serves as an intermediary that prevents the need for parking. By providing continuous control guidance based on healthy sensor data and modeling, the accommodation signal maintains turbine operation within safe parameters, making parking unnecessary for component protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for controlling a wind turbine. Accordingly, a component of the wind turbine is monitored by at least one sensor of a sensor system. An output is received from the sensor system which indicates a fault with the sensor. A fault accommodation response is generated by a fault module. The fault accommodation response includes an accommodation signal which replaces the output signal of the faulty sensor.