Wind Turbine Sensor Calibration via Rotational Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for wind power plant sensors are inefficient and require manual intervention, leading to inaccuracies due to sensor placement issues and changes over time, especially when considering bending moments, temperature strains, and centrifugal forces, which result in system shutdowns for calibration.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating wind power plant sensors involves rotating a movable component on a predeterminable axis, evaluating measurement values using a calibration function that adjusts based on operating parameters, and updating the calibration function automatically to account for temperature drift and aging effects, allowing for continuous operation and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed to ensure measurement accuracy, then sensor calibration precision is improved, but system downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs self-calibration automatically using measured gravitational forces and centrifugal forces during normal operation. The control unit calculates calibration values from sensor measurements during rotor rotation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and system shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process occurs continuously during normal wind power plant operation. The system utilizes the ongoing rotation of rotor blades to repeatedly measure gravitational and centrifugal forces, maintaining calibration without interrupting power generation.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are attached exactly at the required location with high precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines sensor placement deviations through mathematical calculations during operation. The control unit computes calibration values that compensate for imprecise sensor attachment, eliminating the need for high-precision manual positioning during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration function dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on operating conditions (rotation speed, gravitational force, centrifugal force). This allows the system to compensate for fixed sensor placement errors by changing the interpretation parameters rather than the physical sensor positions.
3Reliability
If calibration is performed frequently to account for temperature drift and aging effects, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process operates continuously during normal wind power plant function. Sensor measurements are continuously evaluated against known gravitational and centrifugal force patterns, automatically updating calibration values without requiring periodic shutdowns or manual recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from repeated measurements during rotation to continuously refine calibration values. The control unit compares measured forces with theoretical values and adjusts calibration parameters in real-time, compensating for temperature drift and aging effects ongoing.
4Measurement precision
If the system shuts down for calibration to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and energy output decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The wind power plant continues generating electricity during the calibration process. The calibration utilizes the normal rotation of rotor blades, converting what would be downtime into productive operation time where both power generation and calibration occur simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration during operation without external intervention or shutdown. The control unit automatically processes sensor data during rotation, allowing the plant to maintain both calibration accuracy and continuous power generation.
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 method enables efficient and reliable load data collection, reduces manual intervention, and ensures accurate calibration by automatically updating the calibration function, thereby minimizing errors and maintaining system operation during the process.
Implementation Method 1
forces and moments from the dynamic of the rotors, which are of particular importance when there are undesired vibrations
Implementation Method 2
in the case of an increasing temperature and/or a temperature drift of a corresponding sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the calibration of at least one sensor (11-14) of a wind power plant (10). The invention also relates to a wind power plant (10). The calibration process according to the invention is captured by the at least one sensor (11-14). The measurement value (30, 31), which is a measure for the load of a component (15-17), is evaluated, wherein the wind power plant has at least the moveable component (15, 15′, 15″, 16, 17), wherein the component (15-17) is pivoted or rotated around a predeterminable axis (19, 20). The wind power plant according to the invention is provided with a calibration module for the automatic calibration of at least one sensor (11-14), which measures the load of a movable component (15-17) of the wind power plant.