Wind Turbine Control Using Estimated Wind Speed Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control methods rely on indirect measurements or assumptions of wind speed, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to unknown optimal operating points.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a wind turbine using estimated wind speed to switch between subrated and rated modes, adjusting rotor blades and generator torque based on measured rotor speed and generated power, with additional control mechanisms for transient modes to manage load changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wind speed is measured directly, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine uses its own operational parameters (rotor speed, power output, pitch angle) to estimate wind speed, making the system self-diagnostic and eliminating the need for external measurement devices. The turbine essentially measures wind speed by observing its own response to wind conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation model that translates easily measurable turbine parameters into wind speed information. This model acts as a mediator between the simple turbine sensors and the complex wind conditions, providing accurate wind speed data without direct measurement.
2Device complexity
If wind speed is not measured directly, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of control decreases due to unknown optimal operating points
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors turbine operational parameters (power, rotor speed, pitch angle) and uses this feedback to dynamically estimate wind speed and adjust operating points. This closed-loop feedback ensures the turbine adapts to changing wind conditions while maintaining optimal performance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on real-time estimation of wind speed conditions. Rather than using fixed operating points, the system continuously optimizes rotor speed, power output, and pitch angle according to the current wind environment, maintaining reliability without direct measurement.
3Ease of operation
If operating point is set based on believed optimal values, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases due to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of wind speed using current operational data before finalizing the operating point adjustment. This preliminary action allows the control system to proactively optimize performance based on predicted wind conditions rather than reacting to measured values after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (rotor speed, power output, pitch angle) based on estimated wind speed conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters to match current wind conditions, the system maintains optimal productivity while keeping the control operation simple through automated parameter optimization.
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
Precise adaptation to wind conditions, minimizing mechanical stress and optimizing power production by accurately determining operating points without direct wind speed measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The aerodynamic rotor is adapted for driving the generator with variable rotor speed depending on the wind speed
Implementation Method 2
a generator with controllable generator torque
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine, the wind turbine having a generator with controllable generator torque and an aerodynamic rotor with rotor blades with adjustable pitch angle, the aerodynamic rotor driving the generator with variable rotor speed depending on a wind speed, comprising the steps operating the wind turbine in a subrated mode when the wind speed is below a predetermined rated wind speed, operating the wind turbine in a rated mode when the wind speed is at or above the predetermined rated wind speed, estimating the wind speed and operating the wind turbine in subrated mode or in rated mode in dependence on the estimated wind speed.