Wind Turbine Control Device Using Predictive Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbine control systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting operational parameters such as yaw and pitch angles to optimize energy conversion from wind energy into rotational energy, particularly in varying environmental conditions like wind direction and velocity.
Innovation Solution
A control device that utilizes a combination of sensor systems (nacelle-based, tower-based, and blade-based) to measure environmental conditions and predict future data, adjusting yaw and pitch angles using a wind flow model based on fluid mechanics to minimize differences in wind velocity and direction, thereby optimizing energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbine control systems adjust operational parameters (yaw and pitch angles) to optimize energy conversion, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple sensor systems and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent sensor systems (nacelle-based, tower-based, and blade-based sensors) that measure different environmental parameters. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in specific measurements while the control device integrates their data, improving energy conversion efficiency without overwhelming complexity in any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device predicts future wind conditions based on current sensor data and adjusts operational parameters (yaw and pitch angles) in advance. This preliminary action allows the wind turbine to be pre-positioned for optimal energy capture before wind conditions change, improving productivity without requiring constant reactive adjustments that would increase control complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor systems are used to measure environmental conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across three distinct sensor systems located at different positions (nacelle, tower, and blade). Each system measures environmental conditions from its specific location, providing multiple data points that improve overall measurement precision through spatial distribution rather than concentrating all sensors in one complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: it receives data from all sensor systems, processes environmental measurements, predicts future wind conditions, and controls operational parameters. This multi-functionality consolidates the complexity into a single control device rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control system predicts future wind conditions, then adaptability to changing environmental conditions is improved, but the complexity of data processing and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary data processing to predict future wind conditions based on current sensor measurements. By analyzing trends in environmental data and anticipating wind changes before they occur, the system adapts to varying conditions proactively, improving versatility without requiring complex real-time reaction systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient and anticipatory adjustment of operational parameters, enhancing energy conversion efficiency by predicting and adapting to changing wind conditions, thereby improving the overall performance of wind turbines.
Implementation Method 1
wind turbines for transforming wind energy into a rotational torque for driving electrical generators
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and device (300) for controlling at least one operational parameter of a wind turbine (100) including a machine nacelle (103) and a rotor having at least one rotor blade (101). The control device (300) includes an input adapted for inputting a signal which is indicative of environmental data of the wind turbine (100), an evaluation unit (303) adapted for generating at least one control signal on the basis of currently acquired environmental data (306) and on the basis of previously acquired environmental data (305), and an output adapted to output the control signal adapted for adjusting the at least one operational parameter of the wind turbine (100).