Wind Turbine Load Controller with Dynamic Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems face challenges in managing asymmetrical loads, which lead to increased fatigue, maintenance costs, and power production losses due to inefficient pitching mechanisms that do not adequately account for dynamic climate conditions and load distributions.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that determines a dynamic threshold value based on wind turbine loading and climate conditions to adjust blade pitching individually, minimizing unnecessary pitching and optimizing load distribution across the rotor plane, thereby reducing extreme loads and maintaining power production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional static threshold control is used to balance asymmetric loads, then load distribution is improved, but power production decreases due to unnecessary pitching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static threshold value to a dynamic threshold value that adapts to current operating conditions. The load control system continuously adjusts the threshold based on real-time climate conditions and turbine loading, enabling the system to maintain optimal load distribution while minimizing unnecessary blade pitching that would reduce power production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the threshold value parameter from a fixed design-phase constant to a dynamically adjustable parameter. The threshold is continuously updated based on measured climate conditions (wind speed, turbulence, temperature) and turbine loading, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational environments and maintain optimal performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If frequent blade pitching is performed to compensate for asymmetrical loads, then load compensation is improved, but wear on pitching system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic threshold adjustment prevents unnecessary blade pitching by adapting to current conditions. When climate conditions and loading are favorable, the threshold allows larger asymmetries without triggering pitch corrections, thereby reducing the frequency of pitching operations and minimizing wear on the pitching system while maintaining adequate load compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control system employs feedback by continuously monitoring climate conditions and turbine loading to dynamically adjust the threshold. This feedback mechanism ensures that blade pitching is only commanded when actually necessary to compensate for asymmetric loads, reducing unnecessary actuator activity and extending the reliability of the pitching system.
3Productivity
If dynamic threshold adjustment is implemented, then power production is maintained, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load control system achieves multi-functionality by using a single dynamic threshold parameter to simultaneously optimize multiple objectives: maintaining power production, reducing asymmetric loads, and minimizing pitching activity. This universal approach consolidates control logic rather than requiring separate control systems for each objective, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages control system complexity by focusing parameter changes on a single key parameter - the threshold value. Rather than complexifying the entire control architecture, the system dynamically adjusts this one parameter based on climate conditions and loading, providing an elegant solution that maintains power production without requiring proportionally complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a wind turbine, a control system for a wind turbine and a method for controlling a wind turbine where asymmetry in load on the rotor is compensated by individual pitching by comparing a load distribution over the rotor plane with a threshold value. To avoid unnecessary compensation, the threshold value is adjusted based on a loading of the wind turbine or based on climate conditions under which the turbine operates.