Wind Turbine Setpoint Reduction Using Thermal Power Prediction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining maximum power setpoints in wind turbines are either overly conservative due to reliance on ambient temperature or result in significant power output variations when based on component temperatures, making it difficult to predict and manage thermal limitations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the maximum power setpoint by using a thermodynamic model incorporating ambient temperature, component temperatures, and present power output, along with temperature predictions to balance operational safety and power output, avoiding undue limitations and rapid power reductions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum power setpoints are defined conservatively based on ambient temperature, then component safety is ensured, but electrical power output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal modeling and temperature predictions before actual thermal limitations are reached. By using a thermodynamic model to predict future temperature profiles, the system proactively determines appropriate power setpoints that prevent thermal violations while maximizing power output, rather than reacting conservatively to ambient temperature alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual component temperatures and compares them against predicted temperature profiles from the thermodynamic model. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust power setpoints dynamically, ensuring component safety while avoiding overly conservative limitations that would reduce power output.
2Reliability
If power output is reduced rapidly when component temperatures reach thresholds, then safe operation is guaranteed, but power output variations become significant
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts future temperature profiles using a thermodynamic model before component temperatures actually reach critical thresholds. This allows for gradual, planned power reductions rather than abrupt cuts, maintaining safe operation while minimizing power output variations and improving predictability for grid operators.
3Ease of operation
If maximum power setpoints are based on ambient temperature, then thermal limitations are simplified to manage, but setpoints become overly conservative
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a thermodynamic model as an intermediary between simple ambient temperature monitoring and complex component temperature measurements. This model translates ambient temperature conditions into predicted component temperature profiles, providing a balance between operational simplicity and accurate power setpoint determination that avoids overly conservative limitations.
4Reliability
If operation is based on component temperatures, then thermal safety is improved, but predictability of power setpoint reduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature predictions using the thermodynamic model to forecast future component temperatures under different power output scenarios. This allows operators to know in advance when and why power setpoint reductions will be necessary, improving predictability while maintaining thermal safety based on actual component temperatures rather than conservative ambient temperature assumptions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods for determining a maximum power setpoint for a wind turbine comprising: determining an ambient temperature, determining a temperature of one or more wind turbine components and determining a current power output of the wind turbine. The methods further comprise determining the maximum power setpoint based at least partially on a thermodynamic model of the wind turbine components, the ambient temperature, the temperature of the components of the wind turbine and on the present power output of the wind turbine. The present disclosure further relates to methods for determining a setpoint reduction and to wind turbine control systems and wind turbines configured for such methods.