Wind Turbine Slip Coupling Traction Recovery During Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face challenges in maintaining or increasing traction of the slip coupling between the generator and rotor, leading to loss of torque application during anomalous events like overspeed conditions, where the generator torque and rotor inertia cause slipping, which existing control methods fail to effectively manage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller detects loss of traction by monitoring rotational speeds, inertia, and operating parameters, and adjusts the generator torque setpoint to increase rotational speed, thereby regaining traction in the slip coupling, allowing effective torque application to the drivetrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If generator torque is applied to slow the rotor during anomalous events, then braking effectiveness is improved, but traction of the slip coupling is lost due to generator torque and rotor inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the generator torque setpoint based on real-time detection of slip coupling traction status. When loss of traction is detected, the controller reduces the generator torque setpoint to allow the generator speed to increase, which restores traction. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the braking system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors rotational speeds and operating parameters to detect loss of traction in the slip coupling. This feedback mechanism triggers corrective action by reducing the generator torque setpoint when traction is lost, and allows torque application when traction is restored. The feedback loop ensures the system responds to changing conditions to maintain both braking capability and coupling traction.
2Productivity
If generator torque is increased to facilitate emergency braking, then rotor slowing effectiveness is improved, but loss of traction in slip coupling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by reducing the generator torque setpoint before attempting to apply braking torque. When loss of traction is detected, the controller proactively reduces torque to restore coupling traction, preventing the harmful effect of slip coupling failure before it can compromise emergency braking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system provides beforehand cushioning by preparing the slip coupling for high torque conditions. By detecting early signs of traction loss and reducing torque setpoint in advance, the system cushions against the potential failure mode of slip coupling disengagement, ensuring operational coupling is maintained during emergency braking.
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
The solution effectively maintains or increases traction of the slip coupling, ensuring generator torque can be applied to the drivetrain, even during emergency braking conditions, by dynamically adjusting the generator speed to prevent slipping and reestablish operable coupling.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor is typically rotatably coupled to the generator via a slip coupling, the generation of torque by the generator and/or the inertia of the rotor may result in a loss of traction of the slip coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are provided for controlling a wind turbine. Accordingly, a controller of the wind turbine detects a loss of traction of the slip coupling between a generator and a rotor of the drivetrain of the wind turbine. In response to detecting the loss of traction, the controller overrides a generator torque setpoint to alter a rotational speed of the generator. In response to the altered rotational speed of the generator, the traction of the slip coupling is increased. Increasing the traction of the slip coupling facilitates an application of generator torque to the drivetrain of the wind turbine.