Wind Turbine SCADA Controller Formula Update Without Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing SCADA systems for wind turbines require shutdown for software updates or modifications, leading to downtime and potential damage due to lack of monitoring and control during the process.

Innovation Solution

A wind turbine management system that allows for real-time formula creation, modification, and application without shutting down the system, using a controller with memory storage and communication capabilities to select and apply formulas based on operational data, enabling continuous monitoring and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new or replacement software is installed to modify formulas in SCADA system, then the SCADA system can calculate additional or modified parameters, but the system must be in non-operating mode causing downtime and loss of monitoring capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformula modification capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the SCADA system into multiple independent controller units (first controller, second controller, third controller) that can operate autonomously. This allows formula modifications to be applied to individual controllers without shutting down the entire system, maintaining monitoring capability while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary that enables formula updates to be transmitted and applied to individual controllers without requiring system shutdown. This intermediary allows the system to maintain operation while accepting modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If software is updated to implement new formulas, then additional parameters can be calculated, but the system experiences downtime during the update process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter calculation capabilityVSAvoidsystem downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation of the SCADA system by allowing formula updates to be applied to individual controllers without shutting down the system. The monitoring and calculation functions continue uninterrupted in other controllers, maintaining continuous useful action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic formula updates where controllers can independently receive and apply new formulas at different times without synchronized shutdown. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt continuously rather than in discrete停机 periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If updated software components are installed to apply new formulas to specific wind turbines, then targeted parameter calculation is enabled, but system complexity and update requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective formula applicationVSAvoidsoftware update complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the formula application capability by controller and wind turbine, allowing selective updates to specific controllers that monitor particular turbines. This granular segmentation enables targeted formula application without requiring system-wide updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different controllers to have different formulas applied based on their specific monitoring requirements. Each controller can be independently configured with formulas appropriate for its specific wind turbines, rather than uniform system-wide formulas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2290231B1System and method for updating formula in wind turbines controllers
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2290231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2290231B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2290231B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A controller (202) for use in monitoring at least one operating wind turbine (100,308) is provided. The controller is communicatively coupled to the at least one operating wind turbine, to a server sub-system (208), and to a user interface device (304). The controller is configured to receive operational data from the at least one operating wind turbine, select at least one formula based on the received operational data, wherein at least one of a predetermined formula is selected, a formula is selected via the user interface device, and a formula is selected via the server sub-system, determine at least one site level parameter (406) using the at least one selected formula, and transmit at least one of operational data, the at least one selected formula, and the determined parameter to the server sub-system.