Wind Turbine Generator Power Output Control via Fatigue Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for operating wind turbines do not effectively manage the life of generators and components when producing above-rated power, leading to fatigue and damage, and fail to consider the cost impact of these conditions on electricity production.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the fatigue and damage to wind turbine components using life models and cost information, comparing the cost per unit time of operation with the value of electricity generated to adjust power output accordingly, incorporating wind parameter measurements and predictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wind turbine generator operates to produce more than rated power output, then productivity increases, but the wind turbine generator components suffer fatigue and damage reducing their duration of action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power output adjustable and variable based on real-time component condition assessment. The system dynamically modifies the rated power output from a fixed value to a variable parameter that responds to changing component health states, allowing optimal productivity while protecting component life through continuous adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring component condition parameters (fatigue, damage, remaining life) and using this information to adjust power output decisions. The control system receives feedback on component state and modifies operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that balances productivity with component preservation
2Productivity
If the wind turbine generator operates under boost conditions to increase power output, then productivity improves, but reliability deteriorates due to increased fatigue and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the power output parameter based on component reliability assessment. The system changes operational parameters (power level, boost conditions) according to the assessed reliability state of components, allowing the turbine to operate at higher productivity when reliability is sufficient and reduce output when reliability concerns arise
3Productivity
If the wind turbine generator operates without considering cost impact of fatigue and damage, then productivity is maximized, but loss of substance increases due to component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating component life consumption information into the control loop. The system receives feedback on the rate of life consumption and uses this to adjust power output decisions, creating an economic optimization that balances electricity generation against the depletion of component life resources
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for optimized wind turbine operation by balancing the cost of fatigue with electricity revenue, ensuring the turbine operates within economically viable conditions while maintaining component life.
Implementation Method 1
the step of measuring wind parameters is done using LIDAR or other sensors mounted on or away from the wind turbine generator
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying the power output of a wind turbine generator. The power output of a wind turbine generator can be modified based on the rate of fatigue and/or damage calculated for components within the wind turbine generator. Damage and/or fatigue can be calculated based on current or predicted future operating conditions. The turbine operation can be modified if the cost of damage and/or cost of fatigue is less than a value for the electricity produced. In this case, the rate of fatigue is calculated using models of the wind turbine generator or its components, where the model may be based on a metamodel or by an Equivalent Operating Hours approach.