Wind Turbine Rotor Speed and Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine operation methods fail to maximize annual energy yield while maintaining permissible operating loads, especially at high wind speeds, as they often result in reduced power output and inefficient load management.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for a variable-speed wind turbine that adjusts rotor speed and generator torque based on wind speed thresholds, allowing for continuous power reduction while maintaining or increasing generator torque, enabling operation at high wind speeds with reduced loads and increased power yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotational speed of the wind turbine rotor is reduced at high wind speeds, then the operating loads on the wind turbine are reduced, but the power output is also reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by continuously adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor based on real-time wind speed measurements. The control system dynamically modifies operational parameters (rotational speed and generator torque) according to prevailing wind conditions, allowing the wind turbine to adapt its performance characteristics to maximize energy capture while maintaining safe operating limits at high wind speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (rotational speed and generator torque) based on wind speed thresholds. By modifying these parameters dynamically - reducing rotational speed while maintaining or adjusting generator torque - the system optimizes the balance between load reduction and power output, enabling continued operation at high wind speeds with improved energy yield.
2Productivity
If the wind turbine operates at maximum power output, then the energy yield is maximized, but the risk of damage at high wind speeds increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors wind speed and adjusts operational parameters accordingly. The control system receives feedback from wind speed measurements and automatically modifies rotational speed and generator torque to maintain optimal operation within safe limits, enabling the wind turbine to maximize energy capture while preventing damage at high wind speeds through real-time adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent takes preliminary action by reducing rotational speed before the wind turbine reaches dangerous operating conditions at high wind speeds. By proactively adjusting operational parameters in response to increasing wind speeds, the system prevents excessive loads and potential damage while still capturing available energy, rather than waiting for critical thresholds to be exceeded.
3Reliability
If the rotational speed is reduced to limit loads, then the operating safety is improved, but the annual energy yield is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control strategies that adjust rotational speed and generator torque based on real-time wind conditions. Rather than implementing fixed speed limits, the system dynamically optimizes operational parameters to maintain safety while maximizing energy capture, allowing for continued operation at high wind speeds where traditional methods would require complete shutdown or load-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (rotational speed and generator torque) in a coordinated manner based on wind speed thresholds. By maintaining or increasing generator torque while reducing rotational speed, the system optimizes the power output equation (P = T × ω), enabling continued energy production at high wind speeds with improved safety margins compared to conventional approaches.
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 reliable operation with maximum power output at high wind speeds, reducing the risk of damage and enabling safer, more efficient energy production by gradually reducing rotor speed and power output, thus maximizing energy yield and adhering to network requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Wind turbines are used to convert the kinetic energy contained in the air flowing towards the turbine's rotor into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
A method for operating a wind turbine (100) comprises: - determining a value of a wind speed of an incoming air mass at the wind turbine (100); - if the determined value of the wind speed is greater than a first threshold value (201) for the wind speed: - reducing a rotational speed (212, 222, 232) of a rotor (103) of the wind turbine, and - maintaining or increasing a generator torque (213, 223, 233) acting on the rotor (103); - if the determined value of the wind speed is greater than a second threshold (202) for the wind speed, where the second threshold (202) is greater than the first threshold (201): - reducing the rotational speed (212, 222, 232) of the rotor (103), and - reducing the generator torque acting on the rotor (213, 223, 233).