Wind Turbine Induction Control via Multi-Point LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbine control systems face challenges in accurately predicting imminent wind speeds due to limitations in anemometer measurements and the range of existing LIDAR systems, which affects optimal power extraction and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine system that includes a LIDAR-based sensing device to measure wind speeds at multiple distances, allowing derivation of a free-stream wind speed and induction factor, which is used to adjust blade pitch and generator voltage to optimize operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR is used to measure wind speed at a single location, then wind speed measurement is achieved, but the ability to predict free-stream wind speed and calculate induction factor is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wind measurement task into multiple segments by placing LIDAR sensors at different locations (upstream of the rotor) to measure wind speeds at various distances. This segmentation allows the system to capture the wind speed gradient and derive the free-stream wind speed through mathematical relationships, thereby recovering the information that would be lost with a single-point measurement.
2Device complexity
If LIDAR range is limited, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to directly measure free-stream wind speed at infinite distance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using multiple LIDAR measurements at finite distances as intermediate data points. These measurements serve as mediators that, when combined with mathematical models of wind flow and induction relationships, allow the system to infer the free-stream wind speed without requiring direct measurement at infinite distance. This avoids the need for complex or unrealistic measurement systems.
3Ease of operation
If wind speed is measured only in immediate surrounding area, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but prediction capability for imminent wind speeds is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning LIDAR sensors upstream of the rotor to measure wind speeds before the wind reaches the turbine. By measuring at multiple distances upstream and using the wind speed gradient information, the system can predict imminent wind speeds and provide advance warning to the control system, enabling proactive adjustment of blade pitch and generator voltage before the wind disturbance reaches the rotor.
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 enables more accurate prediction of wind speeds and improved control of wind turbines, enhancing power extraction efficiency by operating within a desired induction factor range, thus accommodating varying conditions and improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
LIDARs operate by scattering radiation from natural aerosols (for example, dust, pollen, water droplets, and the like) and measuring the Doppler shift between outgoing and returning radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
A wind turbine includes a wind turbine rotor and rotor blades mounted on the rotor, at least one sensing device disposed on the wind turbine for measuring a first signal representative of a first wind speed at a first distance from the wind turbine rotor and a second signal representative of a second wind speed at a second distance from the wind turbine rotor. The wind turbine system includes a blade pitch actuator for adjusting a pitch of the rotor blades and a generator controller for adjusting a voltage of a wind turbine generator. The wind turbine system also includes a control unit in communication with the blade pitch actuator and the generator controller, the control unit being used for controlling the wind turbine via the blade pitch actuator and the generator controller based on an induction factor derived from the first and second signals.