Wind Turbine Proximity Sensor Reference Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine proximity sensors struggle to accurately measure radial displacement during laminar flow conditions, leading to incorrect output signals and potential misdiagnosis of sensor failure, which can result in reduced power output and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A method and control arrangement that includes providing reference values for proximity sensor outputs, comparing detected signals with these values, and using detection marks or patterns on the rotor shaft to verify sensor functionality and adjust for asymmetric load control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proximity sensors are used to measure radial displacement for asymmetric load control, then load control capability is improved, but false sensor failure diagnoses occur during laminar flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by providing reference values for expected sensor outputs under different operating conditions before actual measurement occurs. During operation, measured values are compared against these pre-established references to distinguish between genuine sensor failures and normal variations during laminar flow, preventing false failure diagnoses while maintaining reliable load control.
2Reliability
If proximity sensor output is monitored continuously, then sensor functionality can be verified, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring proximity sensor outputs and comparing them against reference values. This feedback mechanism enables automatic verification of sensor functionality without requiring complex additional hardware or manual intervention, as the control device itself performs the verification by analyzing whether measured values fall within expected ranges established by the reference values.
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 ensures accurate measurement and detection of radial displacement, preventing false sensor failure diagnoses and maintaining optimal wind turbine operation by comparing measured values with stored reference patterns, thus reducing downtime and maintaining power output.
Implementation Method 1
at least one proximity sensor being adapted to measure a radial displacement of the rotor shaft... the at least one proximity sensor being adapted to generate an output signal depending on a measured distance by the respective proximity sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling at least one proximity sensor (220, 250) of a wind turbine (100), the wind turbine comprising a rotor shaft (160), the at least one proximity sensor being adapted to measure a radial displacement of the rotor shaft; the method comprising: providing at least one reference value, detecting an output of the at least one proximity sensor, the output depending on a measured distance by the respective proximity sensor; comparing the detected output of the proximity sensor with at least one reference value. Further, the present disclosure relates to a control arrangement (165, 220, 230, 240, 250) for a wind turbine (100), the wind turbine comprising a rotor shaft, in particular a wind rotor shaft (160); wherein the control arrangement comprises at least one proximity sensor (220, 250) being adapted to measure a radial displacement of the rotor shaft (160), wherein the at least one proximity sensor is adapted to generate an output signal depending on a measured distance by the respective proximity sensor; wherein the control arrangement further comprises a control device, the control device being adapted to receive the output signal of the at least one proximity sensor, wherein the control device is adapted to compare the output signal with at least one reference value.