Wind Turbine Idling Control for Damping and Off-Grid Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems operate at fixed high rotational speeds during idling, leading to increased rotor and nacelle loads without benefiting from aerodynamic damping, particularly for offshore foundations, and fail to adapt to self-sustained or islanded operation modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that dynamically adjust between multiple idling modes based on aerodynamic damping criteria and off-grid power generation requirements, allowing the wind turbine to optimize rotational speed and power production according to foundation type and operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wind turbine operates at high rotational speeds during idling, then aerodynamic damping increases and supports structure loading is reduced, but rotor and nacelle cyclic loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the idling rotational speed based on real-time monitoring of support structure loading conditions. The system transitions between different idling speed regimes (first and second idling modes) to optimize the balance between providing aerodynamic damping to the support structure and limiting cyclic loading on the rotor and nacelle. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing sea state conditions and foundation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of rotational speed during idling operations. By varying the rotational speed between a first idling mode (lower speed) and a second idling mode (higher speed), the system modifies the aerodynamic damping characteristics and loading patterns. This parameter change enables optimization of both support structure protection and rotor/nacelle loading based on specific operational conditions.
2Force
If the wind turbine operates at low rotational speeds during idling, then rotor and nacelle loading is reduced, but aerodynamic damping decreases and support structure loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the idling rotational speed based on real-time monitoring of support structure loading conditions. The system transitions between different idling speed regimes (first and second idling modes) to optimize the balance between providing aerodynamic damping to the support structure and limiting cyclic loading on the rotor and nacelle. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing sea state conditions and foundation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of rotational speed during idling operations. By varying the rotational speed between a first idling mode (lower speed) and a second idling mode (higher speed), the system modifies the aerodynamic damping characteristics and loading patterns. This parameter change enables optimization of both support structure protection and rotor/nacelle loading based on specific operational conditions.
3Strength
If a fixed high speed idling mode is implemented in the control system, then aerodynamic damping is maximized for support structure protection, but the system cannot adapt to different foundation types or operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the idling rotational speed based on real-time monitoring of support structure loading conditions. The system transitions between different idling speed regimes (first and second idling modes) to optimize the balance between providing aerodynamic damping to the support structure and limiting cyclic loading on the rotor and nacelle. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing sea state conditions and foundation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of rotational speed during idling operations. By varying the rotational speed between a first idling mode (lower speed) and a second idling mode (higher speed), the system modifies the aerodynamic damping characteristics and loading patterns. This parameter change enables optimization of both support structure protection and rotor/nacelle loading based on specific operational conditions.
Solution Approach 3:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor support structure loading conditions and adjust the idling rotational speed accordingly. The system uses sensors to detect actual loading conditions and modifies the operational parameters in real-time, enabling adaptation to different foundation types and sea state conditions. This feedback loop ensures optimal performance across varying operational scenarios.
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 reduces structural loading on the support structures while maximizing off-grid power generation by dynamically adjusting idling modes, ensuring efficient operation and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a wind rotor (30) of the wind turbine to be operated at a higher rotational velocity
Implementation Method 2
aerodynamic damping may counteract the motion of the wind turbine caused by ocean waves interacting with the wind turbine substructure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wind turbine, control system and method for operating a wind turbine during idling, the method comprising establishing two or more idling modes, the two or more idling modes including a first idling mode and a second idling mode, wherein the second idling mode comprises operating a wind rotor of the wind turbine at a higher rotational velocity than the first idling mode, determining an idling mode from the two or more idling modes, based at least in part on one or more fixed preference parameters and/or a measured parameter, the determination being related to an aerodynamic damping criterion and to an off-grid power generation requirement criterion, and selecting the idling mode resulting from the determination, when at least one of the criterions is fulfilled, and operating the wind turbine in said idling mode.