Wind Turbine Over-Rating Control via Dynamic Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems face challenges in efficiently managing over-rating, leading to increased wear and maintenance needs, as they are designed to be conservative, limiting power production and shortening turbine lifespan, while also causing unnecessary shutdowns and burdening remaining turbines.
Innovation Solution
A control method that dynamically adjusts the extent of over-rating based on operating variables such as power, rotational speed, load torque, and load current, using set points and sensors to prevent excessive deviation, allowing for continuous optimization of power output while maintaining safe operating limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbine operates at over-rated power levels, then annual energy production increases, but component wear and fatigue increase leading to shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the over-rating level based on real-time monitoring of component temperatures and operating conditions. The system transitions from static rated power operation to dynamic over-rating, allowing the turbine to operate above rated power when conditions permit while maintaining reliability through continuous adaptation to changing thermal and mechanical states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by allowing power output to exceed the traditional rated value. By implementing variable over-rating levels (e.g., 10%, 15%, 20% above rated power) based on component temperature thresholds and operating conditions, the system optimizes energy production while managing thermal and mechanical stresses through parameter adjustment.
2Reliability
If conservative control limits are applied to prevent component overheating, then safety is maintained, but power production is unnecessarily limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements continuous feedback monitoring of component temperatures, power output, and operating conditions. By measuring actual thermal states and comparing them against threshold values, the system adjusts over-rating levels in real-time, allowing maximum power production when temperatures are within safe ranges while automatically reducing output when thresholds are approached, thus optimizing both safety and productivity.
3Productivity
If increased over-rating is applied to meet plant power output demands, then energy production increases, but maintenance requirements increase and shutdowns become more frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary monitoring and prediction of component thermal states before critical conditions develop. By anticipating temperature rises and adjusting over-rating levels proactively, the system prevents excessive wear and thermal damage that would lead to frequent maintenance shutdowns, thereby sustaining high power output over extended operational periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed for controlling a wind turbine generator to provide power above a rated level based upon operational constraints. The wind turbine includes an over-rating controller that calculates an over-rating power demand in response to the values of one or more operating parameters, and communicates this demand to the generator. An over- rating command value is calculated according to set points of the operating parameter(s), the calculation taking into account the extent to which the operating parameter differs from these set points. The over-rating command value may vary proportionately with the difference between the operating parameter and the associated set point. If multiple operating parameters are used then the over-rating power demand may correspond to the minimum over-rating command value. Furthermore, the power demand maybe communicated to wind turbine generators individually, or may be calculated for a wind turbine park.