Wind Turbine Variable Speed Control for Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems, based on standardized environmental conditions, fail to optimize energy capture at sites with favorable conditions, as they maintain constant speed and power, limiting potential energy production.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a variable speed control system that adjusts the rotational speed set point based on measured operational parameters such as wind speed, turbulence intensity, air density, and temperature, allowing for increased rotor speed within safe mechanical limits, thereby enhancing energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standardized control systems maintain constant speed and power based on design conditions, then wind turbine reliability is ensured, but energy capture is limited at sites with favorable conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the rotational speed set point based on real-time monitoring of operational parameters. The control system transitions from a static, standardized speed setting to a dynamic one that adapts to actual site conditions, allowing the wind turbine to optimize energy capture while maintaining safety margins across varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by adjusting the rotational speed set point based on measured operational data. By modifying this key parameter in response to actual site conditions rather than relying on design conditions, the system achieves improved energy capture while maintaining reliability through data-driven parameter optimization
2Productivity
If rotational speed set point is increased to enhance energy capture, then productivity improves, but mechanical stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring operational parameters and using this information to adjust the rotational speed set point. This closed-loop control ensures that speed increases are implemented only when site conditions support higher operation, automatically preventing excessive mechanical stress while maximizing energy capture potential
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by increasing the rotational speed set point only to the extent necessary to capture additional energy from favorable site conditions. Rather than operating at maximum theoretical speed continuously, the system applies speed increases selectively based on actual conditions, achieving energy enhancement without unnecessary mechanical stress
Data Source
AI summary
Method for increasing energy capture in wind plants includes providing a plurality of wind turbines having a variable speed control system including an initial rotational speed set point value which is a maximum rotational speed set point for wind turbines. Method includes obtaining at least two measured operational parameters from one or more sensors and comparing measured operational parameters to mechanical load of turbine. If mechanical load of turbine is decreased as a result of measured operational parameters, a speed control adjustment method is activated. Speed control adjustment method includes determining an adjusted rotational speed set point greater than initial rotational speed set point value in response to at least two measured and compared operational parameters and configuring control system with adjusted rotational speed set point where adjusted rotational speed set point increases maximum rotational speed set point of wind turbines.