Wind Turbine Speed Control During High Winds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large wind turbines with high shaft heights and larger rotor blades face increased loads at high wind speeds, especially at higher altitudes, and are prone to damage from gusts and storms, with existing solutions like shutdown at high winds leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from prolonged inactivity.
Innovation Solution
A method that reduces wind turbine speed and power when wind speeds exceed a predetermined limit, maintaining minimum speed or power even at high winds by adjusting rotor blades to reduce load and keeping the system operational, with power regulation to ensure continuous operation and reduced mechanical stress on bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wind turbine shuts down at high wind speeds to protect against damage, then the reliability of the turbine is improved, but the productivity is worsened due to energy loss and prolonged shutdown time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operational state of the wind turbine flexible and adjustable rather than fixed. The turbine transitions between different operational modes (normal operation, reduced power mode, and shutdown) based on real-time wind speed conditions. This dynamic approach allows the turbine to adapt its power output and operational status to match changing environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the wind turbine based on wind speed thresholds. When wind speeds exceed the first threshold, the turbine reduces its power output to a predetermined minimum value rather than shutting down completely. This parameter change allows the turbine to maintain a low-level operational state that provides sufficient power for safety systems while avoiding the complete energy loss associated with full shutdown, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If the wind turbine reduces power output at high wind speeds, then the load on the turbine is reduced, but the productivity is worsened due to lower energy generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by reducing the power output to a predetermined minimum value rather than eliminating it completely. This partial reduction is sufficient to protect the turbine from excessive loads while still generating some power for safety systems and maintaining operational readiness. The minimum power level is carefully selected to provide just enough capability to handle safety requirements without incurring the full penalty of complete shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent cushions against excessive loads by pre-establishing a minimum power output level that prevents complete shutdown. This predetermined minimum acts as a cushion that maintains sufficient power for safety systems and prevents the harmful effects of complete stoppage, such as bearing damage from lack of lubrication, while still providing load reduction benefits during high wind events.
3Reliability
If the wind turbine maintains minimum power output during storms, then the reliability is improved by preventing damage from shutdown, but the use of energy is worsened by continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the wind turbine's own generated power at minimum output levels to sustain critical safety systems and maintain operational readiness during high wind events. Rather than requiring external energy sources or complete shutdown, the turbine serves itself by generating just enough power to maintain bearing lubrication, control system functionality, and safety monitoring, thereby improving reliability without significant additional energy consumption.
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 minimizes load on wind turbines during high winds, prevents damage from prolonged shutdown, and ensures continuous operation, including during storms, by maintaining low-speed, low-power operation and reducing the risk of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
Wind turbines are a well-known type of energy; they extract energy from the wind and convert it into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
extract energy from the wind and convert it into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine, wherein the rotational speed (n) and the power (P) of the wind turbine are reduced if the prevailing wind velocity (Vw) exceeds a specified first limit value (VWG1), the rotational speed (n) and the power (P) are reduced further if the wind velocity (Vw) rises further, until the rotational speed (n) reaches a predetermined minimum rotational speed (nmin) and/or the power (P) reaches a predetermined minimum power (Pmin), and the wind turbine maintains the minimum rotational speed (nmin) and/or the minimum power (Pmin) if the wind velocity (Vw) rises further still.