Wind Turbine Inertial Energy Extraction During Curtailment

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Solution Overview

Problem

During wind turbine curtailment, aerodynamic energy is wasted as it is not captured, leading to reduced power output despite favorable wind speeds.

Innovation Solution

A control system is implemented to increase the rotor speed beyond the optimum rated speed during curtailment, and an extraction device is used to convert the stored inertial energy in the drive train into electrical power upon release of the curtailment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the rotor speed is increased beyond the optimum rated speed during curtailment, then the inertial energy storage in the drive train is increased, but the mechanical stress and potential damage to the turbine components is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinertial energy storageVSAvoidmechanical stress on components

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The control system increases rotor speed during curtailment periods to store inertial energy in the drive train components (shaft, generator rotor) before the curtailment is released. This preliminary action prepares the system to deliver additional power when needed, utilizing the kinetic energy already stored in the rotating mass rather than waiting for wind conditions to change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Power

If the rotor speed is increased beyond the optimum rated speed, then the power generation capability is enhanced, but the risk of exceeding design limits and causing damage is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidrisk of exceeding design limits

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts rotor speed based on real-time conditions - increasing speed during curtailment to store energy, then rapidly extracting that energy when curtailment is released. This dynamic operation allows temporary excursions beyond rated speed while maintaining overall system reliability through controlled energy extraction that prevents sustained operation at dangerous speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors rotor speed, power output, and system conditions to manage the inertial energy storage and extraction process. This feedback control ensures that the rotor speed is increased only to the extent necessary for energy storage, and that energy extraction is modulated to prevent exceeding design limits, thereby maintaining reliability while enhancing power capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If the pitch angle is adjusted to slow rotor rotation during curtailment, then the power output is reduced to the curtailment level, but the aerodynamic energy is wasted and not captured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output controlVSAvoidwasted aerodynamic energy

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simply discarding the aerodynamic energy that cannot be converted to electricity during curtailment, the system converts this energy into inertial energy stored in the rotating drive train components. The rotor continues to absorb wind energy and increases its rotational kinetic energy, transforming what would be wasted energy into stored energy that can be utilized when curtailment is released.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 allows for the capture and conversion of wasted aerodynamic energy into electrical power, enhancing the efficiency and power generation of wind turbines during curtailment and low wind speeds.

Implementation Method 1

extracting inertial energy from a wind turbine after a wind turbine curtailment is released

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial energy: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

an extraction device is used to convert the stored inertial energy in the drive train into electrical power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7750490B2Method and system for extracting inertial energy from a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2010.07.06 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A system for operating a wind turbine during a curtailment operation is described. The wind turbine includes a generator and a wind turbine rotor having at least one rotor blade. The wind turbine also includes a drive train that includes at least one shaft coupled to the wind turbine rotor and configured to drive the generator. The system includes a control system configured to increase a speed of rotation of the rotor beyond an optimum rated speed during the curtailment operation of the wind turbine, and an extraction device configured to extract inertial energy stored in the drive train upon release of the curtailment operation.