Wind Turbine Pressure Sensor Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine pressure sensors experience absolute and relative drift over time, leading to unwanted shifts in operating points, which affects the efficiency and noise levels of wind energy conversion, especially in long-term operations under varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating pressure sensors on wind turbine rotor blades by determining measured values at different rotational positions, comparing them to reference pressures, and adjusting the characteristic curve to match tolerance ranges, thereby compensating for drift and improving control and regulation of the wind turbine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If pressure sensors are used for long-term operation in wind turbines, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but sensor drift occurs leading to measurement accuracy degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic calibration of pressure sensors by utilizing regular spin cycles of the wind turbine rotor. During these spin cycles, the turbine operates at a known reference condition (typically idle or feathered position), allowing the control system to compare sensor readings against expected pressure values and apply drift compensation. This periodic recalibration maintains measurement accuracy over extended operational periods without requiring continuous intervention.
2Productivity
If pressure sensors are installed on rotor blades to enable efficient operation control, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but sensor drift causes unwanted shifts in operating points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where pressure sensor readings are continuously monitored and compared against reference values derived from the wind turbine's operating state (blade pitch angle, generator torque, rotational speed). When drift is detected through comparison during spin cycles, the control system automatically adjusts the characteristic curve of the sensors or applies correction factors to subsequent measurements. This closed-loop feedback ensures that pressure measurements remain accurate for controlling blade pitch and generator torque, thereby maintaining optimal energy conversion efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure sensors operate under highly variable environmental conditions, then adaptability to different wind conditions is improved, but sensor drift varies for each sensor making calibration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses sensor drift variability by dynamically adjusting calibration parameters based on environmental conditions and sensor location. During spin cycles, the system determines drift characteristics for each individual sensor by comparing readings across multiple rotational positions and heights. Correction factors and characteristic curves are then customized for each sensor based on its specific drift behavior, temperature exposure, and positional factors. This parameter-based calibration approach allows the system to maintain consistent measurement precision across all sensors despite varying environmental conditions and individual drift patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for calibrating a pressure sensor, in particular an optical pressure sensor, which is arranged on a rotor blade of a wind turbine plant is proposed. According to the method, use is made here of the fact that the pressure sensor is at different heights during the rotation of a rotor of the wind turbine plant, which makes it possible to calibrate the pressure sensor. The objective is to compensate an absolute and/or relative drift of the characteristic curve of the pressure sensor. The method is executed, in particular, during the idling operating mode of the wind turbine plant. Furthermore, a wind turbine plant is proposed which is configured to carry out the proposed method for calibrating a pressure sensor.