Wind Turbine Trim Actuator Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control methods in off-grid or idling modes can induce stress and wear on pitch actuators and bearings, compromising structural stability and power production, especially in offshore installations where maintenance access is limited and costly.
Innovation Solution
A control device that determines idling or self-sustaining modes by setting a predetermined pitch angle and variably controlling the trim actuator to maintain a stable rotor speed, reducing stress on pitch actuators and bearings, and allowing for fine-tuning without continuous blade pitch angle changes, using active blade add-on members like flaps or spoilers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If continuous pitch angle adjustment is used to control rotational speed in off-grid modes, then rotational speed control is achieved, but stress and wear on pitch actuators and bearings increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented between two independent actuation systems: the pitch actuator sets a fixed pitch angle, while the trim actuator independently controls the add-on member to adjust aerodynamic properties and control rotational speed. This segmentation allows speed control without continuous pitch actuator movement, reducing wear on pitch components.
Solution Approach 2:
An active add-on member (trim device) is introduced as an intermediary element on the blade that modifies aerodynamic properties independently of the pitch actuator. This intermediary allows rotational speed control through aerodynamic adjustment rather than direct pitch angle changes, thereby protecting the pitch actuator and bearings from continuous stress.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pitch actuator is continuously adjusted to control rotor speed, then speed stability is improved, but structural stability and component lifespan deteriorate due to increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent functions: pitch angle setting (structural position) and trim control (aerodynamic adjustment). This segmentation allows speed stability to be maintained through trim actuator adjustments while the pitch actuator remains stationary, preserving structural integrity of pitch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The active add-on member serves as an intermediary that provides aerodynamic control without requiring continuous movement of the pitch actuator. By adjusting the add-on member's position, the system maintains rotor speed stability while minimizing stress on structural components.
3Reliability
If existing wind turbines are modified to reduce wear, then component lifespan is improved, but device complexity and modification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The active add-on member is designed to be integrated with existing blade structures, serving multiple functions: aerodynamic control, rotational speed regulation, and wear reduction for pitch components. This multi-functionality allows existing turbines to benefit from extended component lifespan without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on member is positioned as an intermediary element that can be added to existing blades without requiring fundamental structural modifications. This approach extends component lifespan by reducing wear on critical pitch components while maintaining relatively simple implementation through retrofittable aerodynamic elements.
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 solution ensures stable rotational speed, reduced wear, and maintained structural integrity, enabling robust and cost-effective operation of wind turbines in off-grid conditions without expensive hardware modifications, by using existing wind turbines with updated software and active add-on members.
Implementation Method 1
causing a trim stall at the blade by controlling the trim actuator of the add-on member
Implementation Method 2
alter aerodynamic properties of the blade... secure a stable rotational speed of the rotor and consequently a stable loading on the turbine
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Control device and method of controlling a wind turbine It is described a control device configured to control a wind turbine (1), the wind turbine (1) comprising a rotor (4) be- ing rotatable about a rotational axis (8), wherein the rotor (4) has at least one blade (6), the blade (6) comprising at least one add-on member which is actuated by a corresponding trim actuator to alter aerodynamic properties of the blade (6) and a pitch actuator to alter a pitch angle of the blade (6). The control device is configured to determine an idling mode or a self-sustaining mode of the wind turbine (1); to control the pitch actuator to set a predetermined pitch angle of the blade (6), if the idling mode or the self-sustaining mode is determined; and to cause a target rotational speed of the rotor (4) by variably controlling the trim actuator of the blade (6), if the idling mode or the self-sustaining mode is determined.