Wind Turbine Sensor Fault Accommodation for Continued Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems derate or shut down due to sensor faults, leading to reduced power production and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detects sensor faults and generates a fault accommodation signal using sensor redundancy and modeling to maintain wind turbine operation, allowing continued power production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller implements alternative control scheme upon sensor fault, then the components are protected from overload condition, but the power production of the wind turbine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting sensor faults before they cause critical failures and by pre-establishing fault accommodation signals that can be immediately activated. The fault detection module continuously monitors sensor outputs and compares them against expected ranges, enabling early intervention before overload conditions develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault accommodation signal acts as an intermediary between the faulty sensor and the control system. Instead of directly using the faulty sensor output or completely shutting down, the system generates an intermediate accommodation signal that bridges the gap, allowing controlled operation with reduced power production while protecting components.
2Reliability
If the controller derates the wind turbine in response to sensor fault, then the components are protected from overload condition, but the power production of the wind turbine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the derating level based on the specific fault conditions and sensor outputs. Rather than a fixed derating approach, the controller continuously monitors fault characteristics and adjusts the accommodation signal to optimize the balance between component protection and power production under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the fault accommodation signal based on sensor fault characteristics. The controller modifies control parameters such as power output limits, operational modes, and safety margins in response to the detected fault, optimizing the trade-off between protection and production.
3Reliability
If the controller parks the wind turbine in response to sensor fault, then the components are protected from overload condition, but the power production of the wind turbine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by activating fault accommodation signals before complete turbine shutdown becomes necessary. The fault detection and accommodation mechanisms are activated in advance to enable continued operation at reduced capacity, avoiding the need to park the entire turbine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by maintaining limited operational capacity rather than complete shutdown. The fault accommodation signal enables partial operation of the wind turbine at reduced power production levels, which is excessive protection compared to complete parking but sufficient to protect components while maintaining some energy generation.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system and method are provided for controlling a wind turbine. Accordingly, a component of the wind turbine is monitored by at least one sensor of a sensor system. An output is received from the sensor system which indicates a fault with the sensor. A fault accommodation response is generated by a fault module. The fault accommodation response includes an accommodation signal which replaces the output signal of the faulty sensor.