Wind Turbine Power Level Control via Load Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face reduced lifetime when over-rated, as they exceed design loads, leading to potential mechanical and electrical component failures, which can decrease Annual Energy Production (AEP) and increase maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine a Wind Turbine Type Maximum Power Level by simulating load spectra for various test power levels, comparing them with design loads, and implementing control and hardware upgrades to allow operation at higher power levels without exceeding component limits, while ensuring safety margins and conservatism factors are maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbines are over-rated to operate above nominal power level, then Annual Energy Production increases, but wind turbine lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum power level based on real-time component conditions and accumulated fatigue loads. The controller monitors component health status and adapts the over-rating limit accordingly, allowing higher power output when components can tolerate it and reducing power when fatigue accumulates, thus resolving the contradiction between increased productivity and extended lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by determining a specific maximum power level for each wind turbine based on its component characteristics, accumulated fatigue loads, and safety margins. This customized parameter adjustment allows each turbine to operate optimally within its specific capacity, increasing overall energy production while preventing premature failure
2Power
If wind turbines operate at higher power levels, then electrical energy generation increases, but mechanical and electrical component failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors component conditions and accumulated fatigue loads, using this feedback to determine and adjust the maximum power level. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that power output is optimized while maintaining component reliability by preventing operation beyond safe limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies safety margins and conservatism factors before determining the maximum power level to cushion against potential component failures. By pre-calculating safe operating limits based on component capacity and fatigue resistance, the system prevents failures before they occur while still allowing high power operation
3Productivity
If design loads are exceeded to increase power output, then Annual Energy Production increases, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the maximum power level by simulating load spectra and evaluating component fatigue loads before actual operation. This advance planning identifies the optimal power level that maximizes energy production while staying within maintenance-friendly limits, preventing excessive wear and reducing future maintenance costs
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to determining and setting wind turbine type maximum power level 301 and individual wind turbine maximum power level 308 for over-rating control.