Wind Turbine Nacelle Orientation Correction via Sinusoidal Regression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control methods are not accurate in detecting misalignments with respect to wind direction, leading to energy loss and increased loads due to sensitivity to measurement uncertainties and forced misalignments during correction processes.
Innovation Solution
A control method that calculates a correction value for the orientation system by fitting wind direction and efficiency values to a predetermined function, reducing sensitivity to measurement errors and allowing for automatic correction of nacelle orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If quadratic regression is used to estimate wind direction offset, then the method can provide an automatic correction value, but the estimation becomes very sensitive to measurement uncertainties and may produce erroneous results when the parabola has no maximum or the maximum is far from the real wind direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mathematical model from quadratic regression to a sinusoidal function model. This parameter change in the functional form better represents the periodic nature of wind direction and eliminates the sensitivity issues of quadratic regression, where the parabola might have no maximum or the maximum could be far from the actual wind direction, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an iterative optimization process that uses feedback from power measurements at different assumed wind directions. The system adjusts the assumed wind direction based on the feedback from power generation performance, converging to the optimal wind direction that maximizes power output. This feedback mechanism reduces sensitivity to measurement uncertainties compared to single-point quadratic regression.
2Extent of automation
If forced misalignments are applied during calibration campaigns to calculate correction values, then automatic correction can be achieved, but production losses occur and loads on the wind turbine increase during the correction process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies small incremental misalignments (±5 degrees) rather than large forced misalignments. This partial action approach is sufficient to generate measurable power differences for calculating the correction value while minimizing production losses and load increases during the calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is designed as a periodic procedure that can be executed during low-wind periods or scheduled maintenance windows. The system performs measurements at different assumed wind directions in a systematic sequence, completing the calibration cycle efficiently to minimize overall production impact while achieving accurate automatic correction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wind turbine control method that makes it possible to detect misalignments in said wind turbine with respect to the wind direction, wherein once these situations are detected, the control method of the present invention makes it possible to perform an automatic correction of the control parameters and to return the wind turbine to its optimal operating point, together with the associated wind turbine.