Variable Lubricant Pump Control for Wind Turbine Bearings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern wind turbines face inefficiencies due to constant lubricant supply, leading to excessive oil consumption and energy usage, as well as challenges in managing lubrication needs based on varying operational states and weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A wind turbine system with a controller that performs closed-loop control of a variable-speed lubricant pump to adjust lubricant supply based on actual operational states, including rotational speed, lubricant level, and weather conditions, allowing for optimized lubrication and reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a constant speed pump supplies lubricant to the rotating system, then the bearing receives sufficient lubrication, but the wind turbine consumes excessive energy and over-consumes oil

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication sufficiencyVSAvoidpump energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump speed is made variable through closed-loop control, adjusting the lubricant supply rate dynamically based on actual operating conditions such as rotational speed, temperature, and load, rather than maintaining constant speed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors monitor operating parameters (rotational speed, temperature, pressure) and feed this information back to the controller, which adjusts pump speed accordingly to optimize lubrication while minimizing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a constant speed pump supplies lubricant to the rotating system, then the bearing receives sufficient lubrication, but the wind turbine over-consumes oil

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication sufficiencyVSAvoidoil consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricant supply rate is dynamically adjusted according to actual operating conditions, reducing oil consumption during low-demand periods while ensuring adequate lubrication during high-demand operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pump operates at variable speeds rather than constant speed, changing the flow rate parameter to match actual lubrication needs based on temperature, rotational speed, and load conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the pump runs at full speed continuously, then adequate lubrication is ensured under all conditions, but the pump lifetime is reduced and unnecessary power is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication adequacyVSAvoidpump lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump operates at variable speeds matched to actual demand rather than continuous full-speed operation, reducing mechanical stress and extending service life while maintaining lubrication adequacy when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors actual lubrication needs and adjusts pump operation accordingly, avoiding unnecessary high-speed operation that would reduce pump lifetime and consume excess power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9482207B2Wind turbine and a method of operating a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

The invention provides a wind turbine comprising a rotatable drive train including at least one bearing (3) and a pump (4) for supply of a lubricant to the bearing (3). The wind turbine further comprises a controller for performing closed loop control of the pump (4) to provide an amount of lubricant which varies depending on an actual state of operation.