Wind Turbine Power Setpoint Control via Component Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining maximum power setpoints in wind turbines are either overly conservative, reducing electrical power output, or require rapid power output reductions to prevent component overheating, leading to significant power variations.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the maximum power setpoint for a wind turbine based on the actual temperature of its components, rather than ambient temperature, using a control system that calculates a component temperature error and adjusts the power output accordingly, incorporating both feedback and feedforward control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum power setpoints are determined based on ambient temperature, then component temperature safety is improved, but electrical power output is reduced due to conservative setpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter basis for setpoint determination from ambient temperature to actual component temperature. This allows the system to use real-time component temperature measurements to dynamically adjust power setpoints, replacing conservative ambient-temperature-based limits with precise component-specific limits, thereby maximizing power output while ensuring component safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring actual component temperatures and using these measurements to adjust power setpoints. The system monitors component temperature in real-time and adjusts the maximum power setpoint based on the measured temperature and its deviation from threshold values, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power output while preventing overheating
2Reliability
If power output is reduced to cool wind turbine components, then component temperature safety is improved, but power output variations become significant due to rapid reductions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and adjusting the maximum power setpoint before component temperatures reach critical threshold values. By using the temperature error (deviation from threshold) to proactively adjust power setpoints, the system prevents temperature excursions rather than reacting after overheating occurs, thereby maintaining both component safety and power output stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control to continuously monitor component temperature and adjust power setpoints in real-time. The system calculates the temperature error between actual and threshold values, then adjusts the power setpoint accordingly, creating a stable closed-loop control that prevents rapid power fluctuations while ensuring component temperatures remain within safe limits
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods for determining a maximum power setpoint for a wind turbine comprising determining a temperature of one or more wind turbine components, and determining one or more component temperature errors by determining a difference between the temperatures of the wind turbine components and a corresponding threshold temperature for the components. The methods further comprise determining a present power output of the wind turbine and determining the maximum power setpoint at least partially based at least on the component temperature errors, and on a 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.