Wind Turbine Icing Control with De-Rated Rotor Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines operating in cold environments face challenges with icing conditions, leading to potential operational shutdowns due to insufficient de-icing systems, which can cause structural damage from ice accumulation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an icing detection system to monitor rotor blades for imminent or existing ice, and adjusting the wind turbine's operation to a de-rated mode with reduced rotational speed and power output, combined with an ice mitigation device to prevent ice formation or detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating capacity of the de-icing system is increased to prevent ice formation during intense icing conditions, then the reliability of wind turbine operation is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by reducing rotational speed before ice accumulation becomes severe. The controller monitors icing conditions and proactively adjusts operational parameters to prevent excessive ice buildup, rather than waiting for the de-icing system to remove accumulated ice. This preventive approach maintains reliability without requiring oversized de-icing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the rotor based on real-time icing conditions. By making the operational parameters adaptive rather than fixed, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining power generation and preventing harmful ice accumulation, reducing the need for complex high-capacity de-icing systems.
2Strength
If the wind turbine is shut down to protect structures from ice-related loads, then the structural safety is improved, but the productivity and energy generation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by reducing rotational speed before ice accumulation reaches critical levels that would threaten structural safety. This proactive speed reduction prevents the formation of dangerous ice loads while keeping the turbine operational, thereby avoiding complete shutdowns and maintaining energy generation throughout the icing event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of icing into a beneficial operational adjustment. By intentionally reducing rotational speed in response to icing conditions, the system uses the icing detection signal to trigger a protective speed reduction that maintains both structural safety and operational status, transforming a potential shutdown scenario into a controlled operational mode.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the rotational speed is reduced to minimize ice accumulation, then the harmful ice loads are reduced, but the power output and energy generation are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by reducing rotational speed only to the extent necessary to minimize ice accumulation, rather than shutting down completely or reducing to minimal speeds. This partial speed reduction strikes a balance between lowering ice loads and maintaining adequate power output for energy generation during icing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting rotational speed in response to icing conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the trade-off between reducing harmful ice loads and maintaining power output, adapting the operational point to current environmental conditions rather than using fixed speed limits.
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
Maintains wind turbine operation by reducing ice accumulation through controlled rotational speed and thermal energy application, minimizing shutdowns and structural loads while optimizing energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine having a de-icing system for a rotor blade may have an arrangement for heating up a respective surface of the rotor blade
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operating a wind turbine is disclosed, wherein said wind turbine comprises a rotor having at least one rotor blade with a rotor blade surface and an icing detection device for detecting an icing condition for the rotor blade and/or for detecting the presence of icing on the rotor blade. Further, a controller configured for controlling a rotational speed of the rotor can be provided. The method comprises the steps of monitoring, via the controller and/or via the icing detection device, whether an icing condition for the rotor blade is present and/or if icing on the surface of the wind turbine is present, thus, that ice has been generated on the surface. If an icing condition is detected, or if it is detected that ice has generated on the surface of the rotor blade, the wind turbine is operated further according to a de-rated icing-mode having a reduced rotational speed, in particular while maintaining a generation of electrical energy by a generator of the wind turbine.