Wind Turbine Sensor Calibration via Blade Pitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbine sensor calibration methods require manual inspection and maintenance, which is costly, time-consuming, and inefficient, and often neglect regular calibration, affecting the accuracy and performance of sensor measurements.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for calibrating wind turbine sensors involves pitching wind turbine blades at predetermined intervals to detect response signals, determining characteristic sensor response values, and calibrating sensors based on deviations from predefined parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration and inspection is performed, then sensor accuracy can be maintained, but maintenance costs increase and time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine performs self-calibration by automatically pitching blades according to a predetermined pattern and detecting response signals from sensors. The control system compares detected signals with expected values and adjusts sensor calibration parameters automatically, eliminating the need for manual service teams on site.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration actions in advance by pitching blades according to a predetermined pitch movement pattern before actual operation. This preliminary calibration action ensures sensor accuracy is maintained without requiring time-consuming manual inspection during operational periods.
2Reliability
If manual calibration is performed, then sensor performance can be verified, but service team requirements and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically verifies sensor performance by detecting response signals during predetermined pitch movements and comparing them with expected values. This self-verification process maintains reliability without requiring service teams on site or operational disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection and calibration processes with automated electronic detection and comparison systems. The control system uses electronic sensors and computational algorithms to verify sensor performance, eliminating the need for physical service team intervention.
3Productivity
If regular calibration is neglected, then operational time is preserved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration actions continuously or periodically during normal operation by incorporating predetermined pitch movements into regular operational cycles. This continuous calibration action maintains measurement accuracy without sacrificing operational time, as calibration occurs during normal turbine operation rather than requiring separate maintenance periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for calibrating a wind turbine sensor placed on a component of a wind turbine and where the wind turbine is of the type having a rotor with at least one pitchable wind turbine blade. The method comprises the steps of pitching one or more of the blades according to a predetermined pitch movement and detecting the response signal from the wind turbine sensor at least partly caused by the pitch movement. From this is then determined a characteristic sensor response value which upon comparison to a predetermined sensor calibration parameter forms the basis for a calibration of the wind turbine sensor if needed. The characteristic sensor response value may be determined from the pitch movement having been performed a number of times over a longer period of time. The invention further relates to a control system and a wind turbine comprising such control system configured for performing the method as mentioned above.