Wind Turbine Component Temperature Control via Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine cooling systems fail to maintain component temperatures below a predefined maximum when ambient temperatures exceed design limits, leading to unnecessary shutdowns and reduced power output, as they only consider ambient air temperature without accounting for component temperature, power generation, wind speed, and cooling system capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that control the temperature of wind turbine components by setting a temperature set point, measuring actual temperatures, and adjusting output power to maintain components within safe limits, independent of ambient temperature, using a controlling device that includes input for set point definition, temperature determination, comparison, and power control to reduce output power when necessary, and optionally adjusts cooling power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling system is designed to maintain component temperature below maximum at maximum power output, then component temperature is controlled, but power output must be reduced when ambient temperature exceeds design limits
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts power output based on real-time component temperature measurements and ambient conditions. Instead of fixed design limits, the system continuously adapts operating parameters to maintain temperature below maximum while maximizing permissible power output under varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously monitoring component temperature and using this information to adjust power output. Temperature sensors provide real-time data to the control unit, which modifies operational parameters to maintain thermal limits while optimizing energy production.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine is shut off to prevent overheating, then component temperature is protected, but power production is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete shutdown, the system applies partial action by reducing power output to the maximum level permissible under current thermal conditions. This allows continued operation at reduced capacity rather than total cessation, maintaining some power production while protecting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters dynamically, adjusting power output levels based on real-time temperature measurements and ambient conditions. This continuous parameter adjustment allows the turbine to operate within safe thermal limits while maximizing energy production under varying environmental conditions.
3Device complexity
If ambient air temperature is used as the sole control input, then control is simplified, but component temperature control becomes inadequate under extreme conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors to continuously monitor actual component temperature and adjusts power output accordingly. This closed-loop control provides accurate temperature management under varying ambient conditions without requiring overly complex predictive models.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves itself by using actual temperature measurements from the component to determine appropriate power output levels. The system automatically adjusts its own operation based on real-time thermal state, eliminating the need for complex external control inputs while maintaining accurate temperature control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a temperature of a component of a wind turbine is disclosed. A set point temperature of the component is defined. The actual temperature of the component is determined and compared with the defined set point temperature. The actual temperature of the component is controlled by controlling the output power of the wind turbine based on the result of comparison.