Wind Turbine Startup Sequence Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines waste time spinning up the rotor to predetermined speed only to find that other readiness conditions are not satisfied, preventing the startup of the power converter.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that introduces a 'spin-ready' signal, which requires only a subset of operating conditions independent of speed conditions, indicating a high likelihood that spinning up the rotor will allow the power converter to generate power, thereby optimizing the startup sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotor is spun up to predetermined speed before checking all readiness conditions, then the startup sequence can proceed, but time is wasted spinning the rotor when other conditions are not satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checks of readiness conditions (such as converter readiness, grid connection status, and safety conditions) before initiating rotor spin-up. The spin-ready signal is generated only when these preliminary conditions are satisfied, preventing wasted spinning time and improving startup efficiency.
2Reliability
If all readiness conditions are checked before allowing rotor spin-up, then startup reliability is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The readiness conditions are segmented into different categories: conditions that must be satisfied before spin-up (checked by spin-ready signal) and conditions that can be checked during or after spin-up (checked by run-ready signal). This segmentation maintains reliability while managing control system complexity through a structured, multi-stage approach.
3Loss of energy
If the rotor is kept stationary until complete readiness is confirmed, then unnecessary spinning is avoided, but wind turbine availability for power generation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback signals (spin-ready and run-ready) to continuously monitor the state of readiness conditions. When conditions are satisfied, the feedback mechanism enables immediate progression to the next startup stage, ensuring the rotor remains stationary only when necessary and transitions to power generation as quickly as possible, thereby maximizing availability while avoiding energy waste.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present subject matter is directed to a method 600 for initializing a startup sequence of a wind turbine 100. The method 600 includes a step of defining a plurality of operating conditions of the wind turbine 100. As such, upon satisfaction of the plurality of operating conditions, a run-ready signal may be generated, wherein the run-ready signal indicates a readiness of a power converter 120 of the wind turbine 100 to generate power. The method 600 may also include defining a subset of the plurality of operating conditions, wherein the subset of operating conditions are independent of speed conditions of the wind turbine 100. Another step of the method 600 includes generating a spin-ready signal for the wind turbine 100 upon satisfaction of the subset of operating conditions. The method 600 may also include controlling a rotor 106 of the wind turbine 100 based at least in part on the spin-ready signal.