Wind Turbine Pitch Control Factor Adjustment for Standby Power Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine generators face challenges in managing power consumption during grid loss situations, leading to depletion of backup power systems due to inefficient control of pitch angles, which can result in the need to completely stop operations.

Innovation Solution

A method that adjusts the control factor for pitch angle control based on rotor speed errors, allowing for tailored control of wind turbine generators by modifying the sensitivity of the pitch control system, reducing power consumption during idling modes and increasing responsiveness as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pitch control system operates with standard sensitivity during standby mode, then the rotor speed can be maintained accurately, but the power consumption increases and depletes backup power systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor speed control accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the control factor adjustable based on operating conditions. During standby mode, a reduced control factor is applied to decrease pitch actuator activity and power consumption, while during normal operation, the full control factor maintains accurate rotor speed control. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining control accuracy and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter (control factor) depending on the operational state of the wind turbine. By switching between different control factor values (reduced for standby, normal for operation), the system optimizes the balance between rotor speed control precision and power consumption, preventing backup power system depletion during standby while maintaining reliability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the control factor is reduced to save power during standby mode, then power consumption decreases, but the responsiveness of the pitch control system to rotor speed deviations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the control factor based on the operational mode. During standby mode, a reduced control factor lowers power consumption while accepting slower response. When grid connection is restored or during normal operation, the control factor increases to provide rapid response. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between power savings and response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control factor is periodically adjusted based on operational conditions. The system transitions between standby and operation modes, and the control factor is相应ly adjusted. This periodic adjustment allows the system to accept reduced responsiveness during extended standby periods while maintaining high responsiveness when operational demands arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the pitch control system operates continuously with high sensitivity, then rotor speed deviations are corrected quickly, but the backup power systems become depleted faster

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor speed control accuracyVSAvoidbackup power system life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter (control factor) based on operational mode. During standby mode, the reduced control factor extends backup power system life by minimizing power consumption. During normal operation, the full control factor ensures accurate rotor speed control. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction between control accuracy and backup power system longevity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

During standby mode, the system applies partial action by using a reduced control factor, which is sufficient to maintain basic rotor speed control but consumes less power, extending backup system life. During normal operation, full action is applied to ensure precise control. This partial action during standby resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliability and preserving backup power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4090846B1Pitch control of wind turbine blades in a standby mode
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS
  • EP4090846B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4090846B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4090846B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method of operating a wind turbine generator (10) comprising a plurality of blades (12), the method comprising iterating the following steps: comparing an indicated rotor speed with a rotor speed target to determine a rotor speed error; generating a modified rotor speed error by applying a control factor to the rotor speed error; controlling the pitch angle of the blades (12) via a pitch control system in accordance with the modified speed error; and altering the control factor in dependence on a size of the indicated rotor speed.