Wind Turbine Pitch Control for Component Safety and Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines operate inefficiently due to predefined rated power limits, leading to underutilization of power generation capability and increased wear on mechanical and electrical components, especially during wind gusts.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating wind turbines that switches between two operational modes, adjusting the pitch angle of blades by adding a pitch offset or deviation factor to the target pitch angle based on measured operational values, such as temperature or wind speed, to prevent component overload and reduce active adjustments during gusts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wind turbine operates according to predefined rated power limits, then the electrical and mechanical components operate within their operating limitations, but the power generation capability is underutilized and the operation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pitch angle adjustable in real-time based on measured operational values. The control system dynamically modifies the pitch angle from the first target pitch angle to a second target pitch angle when operational limits are approached, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maximize power generation while maintaining component safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pitch angle parameter dynamically based on measured operational values such as temperature, vibration, or power output. By modifying this key parameter, the system can operate closer to component limits safely, thereby increasing power generation efficiency without compromising reliability.
2Productivity
If the pitch angle is continuously adjusted to maintain rated power limits, then the power generation is optimized, but the pitch drive system experiences increased wear and reduced component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively modifying the pitch angle before the pitch drive system reaches its operational limits. The control system monitors operational values and adjusts the pitch angle in advance to prevent excessive wear, thereby extending component lifespan while maintaining optimized power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a buffer zone in the form of a second target pitch angle that is modified based on measured operational values. This cushioning approach prevents the pitch drive system from operating at extreme positions, reducing wear and extending lifespan while still allowing for optimized power generation.
3Reliability
If the pitch drive system operates with large margins from operating limitations, then the component reliability is maintained, but the wind turbine operates inefficiently and power generation capability is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by dynamically adjusting the pitch angle based on real-time measurement of operational values. Instead of operating with fixed large margins, the system adapts the pitch angle to approach component limits safely, thereby increasing wind turbine efficiency and power generation capability while maintaining component reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring operational values such as temperature, vibration, or power output and using this information to modify the pitch angle. This closed-loop control allows the system to operate closer to component limits with confidence, maximizing efficiency while preserving reliability through real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a turbine having a rotor including a hub and at least one blade rotatably arranged around its longitudinal axis at the hub, an induction generator having a stator and rotor coupled to the turbine shaft, a pitch drive system having an actuator, a control system, and a measuring device. The method includes: measuring the operational value of a component of the pitch drive system and adjusting the angle to the target pitch angle, wherein the wind turbine is operated according to at least two operational modes. During a first mode, a first target pitch angle is determined at least according to a power curve of the wind turbine or measured wind speed. During a second mode, a second target pitch angle is determined by adding a pitch offset to the first target pitch and is activated when the measured operational value exceeds a predefined activation threshold.