Wind Turbine Thrust Limit Control Using Extreme Load Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine operation methods fail to effectively set maximum thrust limits based on estimated extreme load values, potentially leading to excessive loads on components like blades and towers, which can result in reduced performance and increased risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving sensor data from wind turbines, estimating extreme load values, accessing a database of simulations based on historical climate data, comparing these values with reference values to set a new maximum thrust limit, and adjusting operations to ensure the wind thrust force does not exceed this limit, thereby optimizing performance and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If maximum thrust limits are set based on accumulated load characteristics over time, then the wind turbine can operate with higher thrust limits improving power performance, but the risk of excessive loads and component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary statistical analysis of sensor data to estimate extreme load values before setting thrust limits. By pre-calculating the relationship between thrust limits and extreme loads through simulations stored in a database, the system prepares reference values in advance that enable safe operation at higher thrust limits without compromising component reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The method continuously monitors sensor data from the wind turbine, compares actual extreme load values against reference values from simulations, and adjusts thrust limits dynamically. This feedback loop ensures that power performance is optimized while maintaining safety margins by preventing excessive loads on components based on real-time conditions
2Productivity
If extreme load values are estimated using statistical analysis of sensor data, then the thrust limits can be optimized for maximum power performance, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex simulations are performed in advance to establish the relationship between different thrust limits and resulting extreme load values. These simulation results are stored in a database as reference values, eliminating the need for real-time complex calculations during wind turbine operation. The system only needs to query pre-computed reference values and compare them with current sensor data
Solution Approach 2:
A database of pre-computed simulation results serves as an intermediary between the complex physical system and the control algorithm. Instead of directly computing extreme loads from sensor data during operation, the system uses the database as a lookup table that translates thrust limit settings into expected extreme load values, simplifying the control logic while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a wind turbine having a rotor. Sensor data is received from one or more sensors of the wind turbine and maximum load values are obtained on the basis of the sensor data. The maximum load values are indicative of maximum loads acting on a component of the wind turbine such as a rotor blade. An estimated extreme load value, such as a 50-year return load, is obtained on the basis of the maximum load values and compared with a reference value. A maximum thrust limit is set on the basis of the comparison, and the wind turbine is operated in accordance with the maximum thrust limit so that a wind thrust force acting on the rotor does not exceed the maximum thrust limit.