Wind Turbine Load Sensor Reliability Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the reliability of load sensors in wind turbines are either invasive, requiring interruption of operations, or time-consuming, especially for offshore turbines.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures loads and determines in-plane moments with rotor rotational speed frequency during wind turbine operation, comparing these with theoretical in-plane moments due to the mass of the blades, to assess sensor reliability without interrupting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load sensors are manually calibrated in factory by statically pulling blades, then calibration accuracy is improved, but operation time is lost and blades cannot be tested under real operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions during blade manufacturing in the factory, establishing baseline calibration data before the blade is installed on the wind turbine. This preliminary calibration allows the blade to be immediately operational without requiring post-installation calibration, thus avoiding loss of operation time while maintaining calibration accuracy through subsequent comparison with theoretical values during actual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-calibration by continuously comparing sensor measurements with theoretically calculated blade loads based on measured wind conditions and blade geometry. The calibration status is automatically monitored and adjusted without requiring manual intervention or interruption of operations, allowing the blade to serve itself for calibration purposes during normal operation
2Measurement precision
If load sensors are calibrated manually after blade mounting, then calibration can be performed on installed blades, but it takes a long time and is expensive especially for offshore turbines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous calibration monitoring during normal wind turbine operation by continuously comparing sensor measurements with theoretical calculations. This continuous process eliminates the need for time-consuming manual calibration interruptions, maintaining calibration accuracy while the turbine operates continuously, which is particularly valuable for offshore turbines where intervention is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the difference between measured and theoretical blade loads, automatically detecting calibration drift, and triggering recalibration only when necessary. This feedback mechanism eliminates unnecessary manual calibration interventions while maintaining accuracy, reducing both time and cost especially for offshore installations
3Reliability
If load sensors are monitored only after interruption of normal operation, then calibration can be checked, but productivity is reduced due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of load sensor reliability during normal wind turbine operation by continuously comparing sensor measurements with theoretically calculated values based on measured wind conditions and blade geometry. This continuous monitoring maintains sensor reliability without requiring operational interruptions, thus preserving productivity while ensuring accurate measurements for load control and maintenance planning
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for determining reliability of one or more load sensors in a wind turbine. The method comprises measuring loads with the load sensors during operation of the wind turbine; determining in-plane moments based on the measured loads; selecting the in-plane moments with 1p frequency; and comparing the selected in-plane moments with theoretical in-plane moments due to a mass of the blade. The method then comprises determining that the load sensors have reduced reliability if the selected in-plane moments deviate from the theoretical in-plane moments by more than a first threshold value. The present disclosure also relates to wind turbine systems incorporating load sensors and methods for on-line determination of correct functioning of load sensors mounted on a wind turbine blade.