Wind Turbine Gyroscope Control for Second-Mode Tower Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines, particularly those with double-soft towers, experience vibrations in the range of the second tower natural frequency, leading to excessive loads and potential shutdowns due to resonance issues, despite design considerations for the first natural frequency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of gyroscopes and magnetic tape sensors to detect angular velocities and reference values, determining state variables like nacelle tilting speeds, and controlling the wind turbine to reduce these vibrations by adjusting parameters such as rotor speed, generator torque, and pitch angles, with the option of shutting down the turbine if vibrations persist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wind turbine operates with a double-soft tower design, then the tower flexibility and energy capture are improved, but resonant vibrations in the second natural frequency range occur causing excessive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors tower vibrations using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, or strain gauges) and adjusts operational parameters in real-time based on detected vibration levels. When vibrations approach resonant frequencies, the system automatically modifies rotor speed, pitch angles, or generator torque to shift the operating frequency away from the second natural frequency, preventing excessive loads while maintaining tower flexibility benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including rotor rotational speed, blade pitch angles, and generator torque to avoid operating conditions that excite the second natural frequency. By continuously adjusting these parameters based on wind conditions and tower response, the wind turbine maintains optimal energy capture while preventing resonant vibrations that would cause excessive loads
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active vibration control is implemented, then tower vibrations are reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates vibration monitoring and control functions into the existing wind turbine control architecture, allowing the same control unit to perform both standard operational control and vibration mitigation. Existing sensors are utilized for multiple purposes, and control actions for vibration reduction are combined with normal pitch and torque control, avoiding the need for completely separate dedicated vibration control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the wind turbine's own operational parameters and existing sensor infrastructure to detect and control vibrations. By leveraging data already collected for normal operation and using the turbine's own control mechanisms (pitch, torque, speed) to counteract vibrations, the system achieves vibration reduction without requiring extensive external hardware or complex additional subsystems
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
Effectively reduces tower vibrations in the second natural frequency range, minimizing loads and extending the lifespan of the wind turbine by actively controlling operational parameters to mitigate resonance effects.
Implementation Method 1
detecting at least one angular velocity of the wind turbine by means of a gyroscope in a hub of the wind turbine
Implementation Method 2
These vibrations are excited by the wind and lie in the resonance range of the wind turbine, leading to large loads within the tower
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine (100), comprising the steps of: detecting at least one angular velocity (ωgyro,x) of the wind turbine (100), in particular by means of a gyroscope in a hub of the wind turbine, preferably for detecting a tilting of the nacelle; detecting a reference value (γ; ωREF) for the at least one detected angular velocity; determining at least one state variable (ωNac.x; ωNac.y) of the wind turbine from the at least one angular velocity and the reference value; controlling the wind turbine as a function of the state variable, in particular such that the state variable decreases.