Wind Turbine Pitch Control Using Tilt and Yaw Moments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems fail to efficiently reduce asymmetric loads on rotor components, which results in increased wear and tear on rotor parts, and the installation of blade load sensors is complex and costly, requiring hub drilling and wiring changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling a wind turbine system for controlling a wind turbine system by obtaining tilt and yaw angle data without using blade load sensors, using inclinometers and magnetometers to estimate tilt and yaw moments, and adjusting the blade pitch to mitigate the asymmetric loads on the rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If blade load sensors are installed to control asymmetric loads, then the lifespan of rotor components is improved, but the installation complexity and cost increase due to hub drilling and wiring changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a virtual sensor system that processes existing turbine data (wind speed, rotor speed, pitch angle) through computational models to estimate blade loads. This mediator eliminates the need for physical blade load sensors while still enabling asymmetric load control, thus extending component lifespan without increasing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation of physical blade load sensors with a computational/electronic system. Instead of installing sensors that require hub drilling and wiring modifications, the system uses software algorithms to calculate blade loads from readily available turbine operational parameters, achieving the same control function with significantly reduced installation complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blade load sensors are installed to mitigate asymmetric loads, then component wear is reduced, but the installation requires hub drilling and hardware changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual sensing intermediary that processes existing turbine data through computational models to estimate blade loads. This approach eliminates the need for physical sensor installation in the hub, thereby reducing installation complexity while still enabling mitigation of asymmetric loads and reduction of component wear
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by leveraging existing turbine operational data (wind speed, rotor speed, pitch angle) that is already being collected for other control functions. The computational model processes this existing data to derive blade load information, eliminating the need for additional hardware installation while still achieving wear mitigation
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
The method and system for controlling a wind turbine system by obtaining tilt and yaw angle data without using blade load sensors, using inclinometers and magnetometers to estimate tilt and yaw moments, and adjusting the blade pitch to mitigate asymmetric loads on the rotor, thereby reducing wear and tear on rotor components.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an inclination of the RNA relative to gravity with an inclinometer
Implementation Method 2
measuring a yaw angle of the RNA with a magnetometer mounted on the RNA
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising: a tower; a rotor-nacelle-assembly (RNA) comprising a rotor and a nacelle, the rotor comprising one or more blades. The method comprises obtaining tilt angle data indicative of a tilt angle of the RNA, yaw angle data indicative of a yaw angle of the RNA, and a thrust of the rotor. Tilt moment data is determined based on the tilt angle data and the thrust, wherein the tilt moment data is indicative of a tilt moment acting on the rotor about a tilt axis. Yaw moment data is determined based on the yaw angle data, wherein the yaw moment data is indicative of a yaw moment acting on the rotor about a yaw axis. A pitch angle of one or more of the blades is controlled based on the tilt moment data and the yaw moment data.