Wind Turbine Remote Restart via Local Intervention Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines located far from operators face challenges in remote monitoring and maintenance, leading to reduced efficiency and unrecoverable revenue losses due to the inability to perform remote restoration of normal operation without altering existing control logic or hardware.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a local intervention controller (LIC) system that allows for remote restoration of wind turbine operation using existing communication infrastructure, enabling remote monitoring and control without modifying the turbine's control logic or hardware, and utilizing existing communication paths to interface with the turbine's control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wind turbines are installed far from human operators to maximize power generation capacity, then power generation capacity is improved, but the ability to perform maintenance and restoration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote interface system that acts as an intermediary between operators and distant wind turbines. This system includes a remote computer with user interface that communicates with turbine control systems through existing communication infrastructure, enabling operators to monitor and control turbines from remote locations without being physically present at the turbine site.
2Ease of repair
If technicians are required to be physically present at remote turbines for maintenance, then restoration capability is improved, but response time and availability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service remote maintenance capabilities where operators can diagnose and restore turbine operation without physical technician presence. The system allows remote execution of diagnostic routines, review of alarm conditions, and initiation of restoration procedures through the remote interface, reducing dependency on physical technician deployment and minimizing downtime.
3Productivity
If remote intervention capabilities are added to existing turbines, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the remote interface system to leverage existing communication infrastructure and control protocols used by wind farms. The remote computer can interface with multiple turbines using standard communication paths, and the system supports various operational functions including monitoring, diagnostics, and restoration through a unified interface, reducing the need for turbine-specific customizations and minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment provides controllers modules that allow for an energy generation module, such as a wind turbine, to be restarted locally and remotely. To restart the energy generation module remotely, care is taken to ensure the module is not in lock down mode. Further, the adding the ability to remotely restart the module does not alter the code or logic used to locally restart the module. Other embodiments are described herein.