Wind Turbine Rotor Orientation Using GNSS Position Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the orientation of wind turbine rotors are inaccurate due to the fuzziness of conventional GNSS systems and shielding by the nacelle housing, leading to high costs for more precise systems.
Innovation Solution
A method using at least two items of position data from a GNSS receiver arranged in the rotor blade to determine the rotor orientation by evaluating the horizontal line of movement and converting it by 90 degrees, allowing for precise determination of the rotor's orientation relative to compass directions, and continuously monitoring the orientation during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional GNSS systems are used to determine rotor orientation, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to fuzziness of GNSS signals and nacelle housing shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotor blade into multiple segments, each equipped with its own GNSS receiver. This segmentation allows independent measurement from multiple locations on the blade, enabling the system to overcome signal fuzziness and shielding effects by using the relative positions of multiple receivers rather than relying on a single receiver's absolute position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference frame attached to the rotor blade as an intermediary element. By establishing a local coordinate system on the blade and using GNSS receivers to determine positions within this frame, the system can accurately determine rotor orientation without requiring absolute geographic precision, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If more precise GNSS systems are used to improve orientation accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes conventional GNSS receivers perform multiple functions: they not only provide absolute position data but also serve as reference points for determining relative positions on the rotor blade. This multi-functionality allows standard, low-cost GNSS receivers to achieve the precision previously requiring expensive specialized systems, as the relative positioning capability emerges from the network of standard receivers rather than from enhanced individual receiver capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive high-precision GNSS receivers, the patent uses multiple standard GNSS receivers distributed along the rotor blade. By copying the basic GNSS function across multiple locations and processing the relative positions, the system achieves high measurement precision at low cost, avoiding the need for expensive specialized positioning equipment.
3Measurement precision
If the GNSS receiver is placed in the rotor blade to determine orientation, then measurement precision improves, but the receiver is exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent attaches GNSS receivers to specific locations on the rotor blade where they can capture position data, accepting that these locations are exposed to environmental conditions. However, by using multiple receivers and focusing on relative positioning rather than absolute positioning, the system maintains measurement precision despite the harsh environment, as the relative geometry between receivers remains consistent even if individual receivers experience signal interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a rotor orientation of a rotor of a wind turbine, the rotor having a rotor blade, to a method for determining a geographical position of a rotor of a wind turbine, the rotor having a rotor blade, to a wind turbine and to a wind farm. A method for determining a rotor orientation of a rotor of a wind turbine, the rotor having a rotor blade, comprising the steps of: receiving at least two sets of position data of a GNSS receiver arranged in the rotor blade, the two sets of position data representing two different horizontal positions of the GNSS receiver; and ascertaining the rotor orientation of the rotor on the basis of the position data.