Wind Turbine LiDAR Induction Factor Estimation at the Rotor Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbine control and monitoring techniques do not effectively measure wind speed at the rotor plane, leading to inefficiencies in power production and lack of real-time understanding of the induction zone, which affects control strategies and power evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a LiDAR sensor to measure wind speed in multiple planes and applying linear Kalman filters to determine the induction factor between these planes and the rotor plane, enabling continuous and efficient updates of the induction zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LiDAR sensor is used to measure wind speed in multiple planes, then measurement precision of wind speed at rotor plane is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model (actuator disc theory combined with free air wind speed measurements) to bridge the gap between LiDAR measurements in upstream planes and the rotor plane. Instead of directly measuring at the rotor plane, the system uses the induction factor as an intermediary parameter to calculate the rotor plane wind speed from upstream measurements, thereby avoiding the need for complex direct measurement apparatus at the rotor location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical LiDAR technology combined with computational methods. By using laser-based velocity measurements in upstream planes and substituting mechanical probes or anemometers at the rotor plane with a mathematical model (induction factor calculation), the system achieves high precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If induction factor determination is implemented, then control strategy effectiveness is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of free air wind speed upstream of the rotor using LiDAR before the wind reaches the turbine. By obtaining these measurements in advance and calculating the induction factor based on the ratio between upstream and rotor plane wind speeds, the system prepares control data proactively, enabling optimized control decisions rather than reactive adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the control approach by introducing the induction factor as a new critical parameter. Instead of controlling based solely on raw wind speed measurements, the system calculates and uses the induction factor (a dimensionless parameter representing the reduction in wind speed due to turbine extraction) to inform control decisions, thereby improving power production efficiency through more accurate aerodynamic modeling.
3Loss of information
If real-time induction zone monitoring is implemented, then understanding of physical phenomena is improved, but measurement and calculation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures wind speed in multiple upstream planes at different distances from the rotor, adding a spatial dimension to the measurements. By performing measurements in several planes along the upstream axis and calculating induction factors for each plane, the system builds a three-dimensional understanding of the induction zone structure, capturing how the wind field evolves as it approaches 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 allows for precise and continuous determination of wind speed in the rotor plane, improving wind turbine control, diagnosis, and monitoring by accounting for physical phenomena in the induction zone, enhancing power production and reducing structural loads.
Implementation Method 1
LiDAR is a remote sensing or optical measurement technology based on the analysis of the properties of a beam returned to the emitter
Implementation Method 2
determining induction factors between the measurement planes from the measurements and a first linear Kalman filter
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a method of determining an induction factor of the wind for a wind turbine (1) equipped with a LiDAR sensor (2). For this method, wind speed measurements are performed in measurement planes (PM) by use of LiDAR sensor (2), then induction factors between measurement planes (PM) are determined by use of the measurements and of a first linear Kalman filter, and the induction factor between a measurement plane (PM) and the rotor plane (PR) of wind turbine (1) is determined by a second linear Kalman filter.