Wind Turbine Readiness Control via Azimuth and Blade Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face significant energy losses and costly grid power consumption when they are not operational due to insufficient wind or grid connectivity issues, leading to delayed power generation and increased expenses when restarting.
Innovation Solution
A method to keep wind turbines in a ready-to-start state by using energy storage to maintain alignment and heating of rotor blades, even when not generating power, allowing immediate operation when conditions permit, with adjustable tolerance angles and waiting times based on wind speed and operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the wind turbine is kept in a ready-to-start state with alignment and heating, then the startup time is reduced and power generation can begin immediately when conditions permit, but energy is consumed during periods when the generator cannot be started
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine performs preliminary actions by maintaining azimuth alignment and heating rotor blades in advance during periods when the generator cannot be started. This ensures that when wind conditions improve and the generator can be started, the turbine is already prepared and can begin power generation immediately without startup delays. The control system monitors wind speed and grid conditions to determine when to maintain these preparatory states.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine maintains precise azimuth alignment and heating continuously, then the readiness for immediate operation is improved, but the energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the readiness state of the wind turbine based on real-time monitoring of wind speed, grid conditions, and turbine operational status. When the generator cannot be started due to insufficient wind or grid unavailability, the system maintains alignment and heating only when conditions indicate imminent operability. This dynamic approach ensures the turbine is ready for immediate operation when needed while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during extended periods of non-operability.
3Loss of energy
If the wind turbine waits for optimal wind conditions before starting operating devices, then energy consumption from the grid is reduced, but power generation is delayed when the wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine performs preliminary actions by maintaining azimuth alignment and heating rotor blades in advance during periods when the generator cannot be started. This ensures that when wind conditions improve and the generator can be started, the turbine is already prepared and can begin power generation immediately without startup delays. The control system monitors wind speed and grid conditions to determine when to maintain these preparatory states.
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 reduces energy wastage and startup delays, enabling wind turbines to generate power quickly and efficiently once conditions are favorable, minimizing reliance on expensive grid electricity and optimizing energy production.
Implementation Method 1
there may be devices for heating, in particular for heating the rotor blades, in order to prevent the formation of ice or to thaw ice that is present
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wind turbine comprising an aerodynamic rotor with an approximately horizontal axis of rotation, an electrical generator and operating devices is disclosed, wherein the wind turbine is intended for feeding electrical energy into an electrical supply grid, and is kept in a starting state for starting the generator while the wind turbine cannot be completely put into operation, in particular the generator cannot be started.