Wind Turbine Noise Control via Individual Blade Pitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbines face limitations in aerodynamic efficiency, longevity, and noise reduction, which can impact performance and compliance with noise restrictions, leading to potential energy losses.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling wind turbines by measuring noise using detection devices and adjusting the orientation of rotor blades to minimize noise generation, optimizing operational parameters such as pitch and yaw to enhance performance and reduce noise emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional control schemes are used, then the wind turbine operates with standard performance, but aerodynamic efficiency, longevity, and noise levels remain suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by detecting noise patterns from the first rotor blade and proactively adjusting the second rotor blade's orientation before the second blade generates excessive noise. This predictive approach allows the system to optimize performance while preventing harmful noise emission, rather than reacting after the problem occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring noise generation from rotor blade interactions and using this information to dynamically adjust rotor blade orientations. The noise detection device provides real-time feedback that enables the control system to optimize both energy production and noise reduction iteratively.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If rotor blade orientation is adjusted to reduce noise, then noise emission decreases, but aerodynamic efficiency and energy production may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies local quality by adjusting the orientation of individual rotor blades (specifically the second rotor blade) based on localized noise detection from other blades. This selective, blade-specific adjustment allows noise reduction in specific angular sections without requiring all blades to operate at suboptimal angles, thereby maintaining overall aerodynamic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (rotor blade orientation angles) dynamically based on detected noise patterns and operating conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters, the system finds optimal trade-offs between noise emission and energy production, adapting to varying wind conditions and rotor positions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If noise detection and control systems are added, then noise emission can be reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into specialized components with distinct functions: noise detection devices for monitoring, control units for processing information, and individual rotor blade adjustment mechanisms. This modular segmentation allows the complex noise control function to be distributed across multiple simpler, specialized subsystems that can be independently optimized and maintained.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for increased energy production and reduced noise levels, improving the overall efficiency and compliance with noise regulations of wind turbines with minimal modifications to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring noise by means of at least one noise detection device, wherein the noise is generated in at least one angular section within the rotor plane due to an interaction between the first rotor blade of the wind turbine and airflow impinging on the first rotor blade
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of controlling a wind turbine (10) comprising a nacelle (12), a rotating hub (13), a first rotor blade (171) and a second rotor blade (172). The method comprises the steps of i) measuring noise (27) by means of at least one noise detection device (21), the noise (27) being generated due to an interaction between the first rotor blade (171) of the wind turbine (10) and airflow (26) impinging on the first rotor blade (171); ii) determining the angular distribution and the intensity of the noise (27) by means of a controller (23); and iii) choosing the operational parameters of the wind turbine (10) based on the measured noise (27) by means of the controller (23) such that the performance of the wind turbine (10) is optimized. The choice of operational parameters includes individual pitching of the second rotor blade (172) and/or yawing the nacelle (12) of the wind turbine (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a wind turbine (10) which is controlled by such a method.