Wind Turbine Safety System Dynamic Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wind turbines are often over-engineered due to design based on maximum wind speed, leading to increased costs and potential for undesired fatigue or extreme loads, as they are not adequately responsive to actual dynamic load conditions, especially during varying wind turbulence and weather changes.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that uses actual load signals from sensors to determine when to bring the wind turbine to a safe condition, reducing the risk of overloading by allowing for lighter component design and adaptive control based on real-time load data and weather conditions, utilizing a combination of load sensing systems and validation sensors to ensure reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wind turbines are designed with increased reinforcement of heavy turbine parts such as the tower to handle maximum load, then the strength and safety margin are improved, but the manufacturing costs, handling costs, maintenance costs, and inspection costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, predetermined safety margins to dynamic, real-time load monitoring and response. The control system continuously monitors actual loads and adjusts turbine operation accordingly, allowing lighter structural design while maintaining safety through active control rather than passive over-engineering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through load monitoring systems that provide real-time information about actual turbine loads. This feedback enables the control system to adjust operations based on actual conditions, replacing the need for conservative static design margins with adaptive control that responds to actual load variations
2Productivity
If wind turbines are controlled to maximize annual energy production, then productivity is improved, but the risk of undesired fatigue and extreme loads on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses real-time load monitoring feedback to adjust turbine operation, allowing maximum energy production during favorable conditions while automatically reducing loads during turbulent or extreme conditions, thus balancing productivity with component reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as pitch angle and rotor speed based on real-time load conditions, enabling the turbine to optimize energy capture when conditions are favorable while protecting components when loads become excessive, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability
3Reliability
If traditional wind turbines operate based on predetermined maximum wind speed limits, then safety is maintained, but the turbine may be controlled too conservatively in some conditions or not conservative enough in others, resulting in undesired fatigue or extreme loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static, predetermined operational limits with dynamic, real-time load-based control. The system continuously adapts its operational parameters based on actual load measurements, enabling it to be neither too conservative nor too aggressive but appropriately responsive to actual conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including pitch angle, rotor speed, and power output based on real-time load conditions rather than fixed wind speed thresholds, providing adaptability across varying operational conditions while maintaining safety
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention provides a safety system for a wind turbine comprising a tower with a nacelle, and a rotor with blades and a connected drive train. The safety system comprises at least one load sensing system for providing a load signal significant for a load on the tower or rotor, and an electronic system which based on the load signal brings the wind turbine to a safe condition.