Wind Turbine Controller Configuration Using a Programming Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and variability of wind turbine types require a reliable, safe, and simple method for configuring controllers, as incorrect settings can lead to unsatisfactory performance or component breakdowns, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for standardized and efficient configuration.
Innovation Solution
A control system for wind turbines that includes a connection interface for a programming enabling key, a control unit to detect the key and initiate a programming mode, and data storage units to communicate controller-specific data, ensuring secure and accurate configuration by requiring physical presence or proximity for programming, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different wind turbine types require different controller configurations, then the system can be adapted to various wind turbine models, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring controller-specific data in data storage units before the controller is activated. The system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate configuration when a data storage unit is inserted, eliminating the need for manual configuration during commissioning. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability across different wind turbine types while removing configuration complexity through automated preliminary setup.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of controllers is performed, then flexibility in setting parameters is achieved, but the risk of incorrect configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the data storage unit with pre-configured controller-specific data - that mediates between the configuration requirements and the controller. This intermediary contains all necessary configuration parameters in a structured format, ensuring that the controller receives accurate, pre-validated settings. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through automatic retrieval while ensuring reliability through pre-configured accurate data.
3Productivity
If programming mode is accessible without restrictions, then configuration can be performed quickly, but the risk of unauthorized or incorrect programming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different access conditions for different operational states. The connection interface requires a programming enabling key specifically for programming mode, while normal operational modes remain accessible without this key. This resolves the contradiction by enabling fast configuration when properly authorized (with the key) while maintaining security against unauthorized programming attempts, thus achieving both productivity and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for configuring a wind turbine. The wind turbine comprises at least one controller arranged to control a function of the wind turbine, and a data storage unit arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, where the data storage unit is associated with the at least one controller to enable communication of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller. The method comprises detecting a connection between a programming enabling key and a connection interface dependent on a presence of the programming enabling key in proximity of the connection interface, initiating a programming mode wherein a control unit is enabled to receive controller specific data or wind turbine specific data from which the controller specific data can be determined, and obtaining the controller specific data or the wind turbine specific data via a manual action or via a trusted data source.