Wind Turbine Device Updates Using Topology-Derived Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software and firmware update processes for wind turbines are lengthy, resulting in significant downtime and idle time, as they require stopping the turbine to perform updates across multiple devices connected in a network.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a main computing device to obtain network topology information and update packages, triggering updates in a topology-derived order, starting from the periphery and moving inwards, to minimize interference and accelerate the update process by ensuring devices farther away from the main computing device are updated first, with intelligent restart procedures to maintain communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional update processes are used for wind turbine devices, then all devices can be updated with new software/firmware, but the turbine must be stopped for long periods resulting in significant downtime and loss of power production
Solution Approach 1:
The update process is segmented into multiple phases: download phase (turbine operational), installation phase (performed in topology-derived order), and restart phase (intelligent sequencing). This segmentation allows the turbine to remain operational during the download phase while updates are prepared, reducing overall downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
Update packages are downloaded and prepared in advance while the turbine is still operational. The main computing device obtains topology information and prepares update sequences before actual updates are applied, allowing the turbine to resume operation quickly after update initiation.
2Productivity
If devices are updated in parallel without considering network topology, then update speed may increase, but communication links may be interrupted causing update failures and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The main computing device obtains network topology information in advance and determines the optimal update sequence before initiating updates. This preliminary action ensures that devices are updated in an order that maintains communication link integrity, preventing update failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The update process dynamically adjusts the installation sequence based on network topology parameters. Devices farther from the main computing device in the network topology are updated first, optimizing communication efficiency and reducing interruptions.
3Reliability
If the turbine is stopped for device updates, then all devices can be safely updated without communication interruptions, but power production is lost and idle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The update process is divided into operational phase (download) and stationary phase (installation and restart). This allows the turbine to continue generating power during the download phase while updates are prepared, minimizing impact on power production.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine maintains continuous power generation during the update download phase. The system enables updates to be staged and prepared without interrupting the turbine's operational cycle, ensuring continuity of useful action.
4Ease of manufacture
If updates are performed in arbitrary order, then the process is simpler to implement, but communication links may be broken during restarts causing updates to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The main computing device obtains topology information and determines the optimal update sequence before initiating updates. This preliminary planning ensures communication link stability without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The update sequence is optimized based on network topology parameters, with devices farther from the main computing device updated first. This parameter-based sequencing maintains communication stability while keeping the implementation relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of updating software and/or firmware of plural devices of a wind turbine, the plural devices being connected in a communication network to a main computing device, the method including: obtaining information regarding a topology of the communication network at the main computing device; obtaining update packages at the main computing device; triggering, by the main computing device, updating all devices for which an update package is present in a topology derived order, in particular staring at a periphery and continuing inwards.