Wind Turbine Power Setpoint Control Using Thermal Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining maximum power setpoints in wind turbines are either overly conservative due to reliance on ambient temperature or lead to rapid and unpredictable power output variations when based on component temperatures, affecting electrical power output and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the maximum power setpoint by using a thermodynamic model incorporating ambient temperature, component temperatures, and current power output, along with temperature predictions to balance operational safety and efficiency, avoiding unnecessary power reductions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum power setpoints are determined based on ambient temperature, then operational safety is improved, but electrical power output is reduced due to conservative limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter basis for setpoint determination from ambient temperature alone to a combination of component temperatures and thermodynamic modeling. This allows the system to maintain safety while adjusting power setpoints based on actual component thermal states rather than conservative ambient temperature assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple ambient temperature-based control mechanism with a thermodynamic model that simulates component temperature behavior. This substitution enables more precise prediction of component thermal states and allows for optimized power setpoints that maintain safety while improving productivity.
2Productivity
If maximum power setpoints are determined based on component temperatures, then electrical power output is improved, but power output variations become rapid and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the thermodynamic model to predict future component temperatures and determine power setpoints in advance, rather than reacting to current temperatures. This preliminary action smooths out rapid power variations by anticipating thermal behavior and adjusting setpoints proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback from actual component temperature measurements to validate and adjust the thermodynamic model predictions. This feedback mechanism ensures that power setpoints remain stable and predictable while still responding to actual component thermal conditions.
3Reliability
If conservative maximum power setpoints are defined for high ambient temperatures, then component temperature safety is improved, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conservative ambient temperature-based setpoint definitions with a thermodynamic model that accurately simulates component thermal behavior. This substitution allows the system to maintain component safety while operating at higher efficiencies by avoiding unnecessary power reductions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using ambient temperature as the sole parameter for setpoint determination to using a comprehensive thermodynamic model that considers component temperatures, heat transfer, and thermal inertia. This parameter change enables more efficient operation while maintaining safety.
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 allows for a more balanced and efficient operation of wind turbines by considering actual component conditions and thermal behavior, reducing conservative limitations and power output variations, while ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
determining a future temperature profile during a prediction window based on the measured temperature, the determined ambient temperature and the present power output of the wind turbine
Implementation Method 2
determining a maximum power setpoint based at least partially on a thermodynamic model of the wind turbine components, the ambient temperature, the temperature of the components of the wind turbine and on the present power output of the wind turbine
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods for determining a maximum power setpoint for a wind turbine comprising: determining an ambient temperature, determining a temperature of one or more wind turbine components and determining a current power output of the wind turbine. The methods further comprise determining the maximum power setpoint based at least partially on a thermodynamic model of the wind turbine components, the ambient temperature, the temperature of the components of the wind turbine and on the present power output of the wind turbine. The present disclosure further relates to methods for determining a setpoint reduction and to wind turbine control systems and wind turbines configured for such methods.