Wind Turbine Sound Management via Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine operation under sound power management (SPM) often fails to achieve maximum power output while meeting noise regulations, resulting in either suboptimal power generation or excessive noise levels due to mismatches between theoretical and real-world noise emissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a feedback system that adjusts operating parameters such as pitch angle, rotational speed, and torque based on real-time sound level measurements to align with prescribed noise levels, using a noise model and inverse noise function to calculate optimal settings and account for discrepancies between theoretical and actual noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If wind turbine operates under sound power management to meet noise regulations, then noise emissions are controlled, but power output decreases below maximum capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where actual noise measurements from microphones are continuously compared against a noise model's predictions. The control system uses this feedback to identify discrepancies between theoretical and real-world noise emissions, then adjusts operating parameters (pitch angle, rotational speed, torque) to compensate for these differences, thereby optimizing power output while maintaining noise compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters including pitch angle, rotational speed, and torque based on real-time noise measurements and modeled noise levels. By adjusting these parameters in response to actual versus predicted noise performance, the system achieves both noise regulation compliance and maximized power generation under sound power management conditions
2Productivity
If wind turbine operates at maximum power output, then energy generation is optimized, but noise emissions may exceed regulatory levels
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors actual noise emissions through microphones and compares them against modeled predictions. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to operating parameters, allowing the turbine to operate at or near maximum power output while ensuring noise emissions remain within regulatory limits by compensating for discrepancies between theoretical and actual noise performance
3Productivity
If theoretical noise model is used to control sound levels, then power output can be maximized, but actual noise levels may still exceed regulations due to model inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where actual noise measurements from microphones are continuously compared against the theoretical noise model's predictions. This feedback identifies discrepancies between modeled and real-world noise emissions, enabling the control system to compensate for model inaccuracies and ensure actual noise compliance while maintaining optimized power output
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary noise modeling to predict expected noise levels at various operating points. By having this theoretical framework in place before operation, the system can pre-calculate optimal operating parameters that should meet noise regulations, then use real-time feedback to correct for any deviations between predicted and actual performance
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 approach enhances the precision of noise control, leading to increased energy yield while ensuring compliance with noise regulations, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing potential disruptions or penalties.
Implementation Method 1
a sound measurement device for measuring a sound level generated by the wind turbine
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine 10 generates a sound level 140. The method includes selecting a desired sound level 210; calculating at least one operating parameter by inputting the desired sound level to a model; and operating the wind turbine according to the at least one operating parameter. The method further includes measuring the sound level 140 and based on the measured sound level 340, calculating at least one of a redefined desired sound level and a revised model. Furthermore, the method includes calculating at least one redefined operating parameter by at least one of inputting the redefined desired sound level 210 to the model and inputting the desired sound level to the revised model.