Wind Turbine Module Transition Timing for Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine systems with multiple modules experience significant structural loads during transitions between operational states, reducing their lifetime and requiring improved designs to mitigate these loads.
Innovation Solution
The system distributes wind turbine module transitions in time relative to each other, using a control system to manage blade pitch rates and initiation points, ensuring that peak structural loads are reduced by avoiding simultaneous transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wind turbine module transitions are performed simultaneously, then the transition speed is fast, but the peak structural load on the support structure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by distributing module transitions across different time points rather than executing them simultaneously. The control system schedules transitions to occur at different times, creating a temporal pattern that reduces peak loads while maintaining overall transition efficiency. This is achieved through the control system's ability to sequence transitions of different modules at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the transition timing flexible and adaptive. The control system dynamically adjusts when each module transitions based on system state, wind conditions, and load considerations. This dynamic scheduling allows the system to optimize between transition speed and structural load reduction in real-time.
2Stress or pressure
If wind turbine module transitions are distributed in time, then the peak structural load is reduced, but the total transition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having modules transition at different times rather than all at once. The control system selectively activates transitions for different modules based on current system conditions, allowing some modules to transition while others remain in their current state. This partial approach spreads the load over time while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary assessment of system state and wind conditions before scheduling module transitions. By evaluating conditions in advance and planning transition sequences, the system can optimize the timing to minimize both peak loads and total transition time, preparing the system for efficient distributed transitions.
3Strength
If the support structure is designed to withstand peak loads, then structural strength is sufficient, but the lifetime of the wind turbine system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of simultaneous transitions into a benefit by deliberately distributing transitions in time. Instead of trying to prevent transitions or designing for extreme peak loads, the system uses the transition process itself as an opportunity to reduce wear and extend lifetime through controlled temporal distribution. This transforms a harmful loading pattern into a beneficial longevity strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements beforehand cushioning by scheduling transitions to avoid coincident peak loads. By anticipating when transitions will occur and spacing them appropriately, the system cushions the support structure from excessive cumulative loading. This proactive scheduling prevents the harmful accumulation of structural stress that would otherwise occur with simultaneous transitions.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is presented a wind turbine system (1), wherein the wind turbine system is comprising a support structure (3), a plurality of wind turbine modules (2) mounted to the support structure (3) wherein each of the plurality of wind turbine modules comprises a rotor (7), and wherein the wind turbine system further comprises a control system (20), wherein the control system (20) is arranged to execute a wind turbine system transition from a first system operational state of the wind turbine system (1) to a second system operational state of the wind turbine system (1), and wherein the wind turbine system transition is performed by executing a plurality of wind turbine module transitions from a first module operational state of a wind turbine module (2) to a second module operational state of the wind turbine module (2) wherein the plurality of wind turbine module transitions are distributed in time with respect to each other.