Wind Turbine Upstream Wind Speed Boost Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbines experience inefficient operation in transition regions around rated wind speeds, leading to potential energy capture and electrical power production loss as they transition from below rated to above rated wind speeds and vice versa.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves receiving wind speed measurements upstream of the turbine, determining the current wind speed relative to rated speed, and initiating a boost action to adjust generator torque or pitch angles of turbine blades to optimize energy capture in transition regions, thereby increasing electrical power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wind turbine operates at rated wind speed, then maximum electrical power output is achieved, but energy capture is lost during transition regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power outputVSAvoidenergy capture loss in transition regions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by measuring wind speed upstream of the turbine and detecting transition regions before they reach the turbine. When a transition region is detected, the controller initiates a boost action in advance to optimize energy capture during the transition, preventing energy loss that would occur with conventional reactive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously measuring wind speed upstream and using this information to adjust the generator torque or pitch angles in real-time. The controller receives wind speed measurements, determines when the turbine is in a transition region, and adjusts operation accordingly to maximize energy capture during these critical periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If conventional control is used, then simple operation is maintained, but additional energy is not captured in transition zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy capture in transition zonesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by measuring wind speed upstream of the turbine and detecting transition regions before they reach the turbine. When a transition region is detected, the controller initiates a boost action in advance to optimize energy capture during the transition, preventing energy loss that would occur with conventional reactive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary measurement system (wind speed sensor upstream) and control logic layer that mediates between the wind conditions and the turbine operation. This intermediary layer processes wind speed data and translates it into appropriate control actions, adding complexity only where needed to capture additional energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If boost action is initiated in transition regions, then additional electrical power is generated, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by measuring wind speed upstream of the turbine and detecting transition regions before they reach the turbine. When a transition region is detected, the controller initiates a boost action in advance to optimize energy capture during the transition, preventing energy loss that would occur with conventional reactive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies parameter changes by adjusting generator torque or pitch angles based on detected transition regions. The controller modifies operational parameters (torque setpoint or pitch angle) in response to wind speed measurements, enabling the turbine to operate optimally during transition regions and capture additional energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 extends the region for maximum electrical power production, enhancing the efficiency of wind turbines by capturing additional energy in transition zones, slowing rotor speed in up transitions and increasing rotor speed in down transitions, thus optimizing energy conversion.

Implementation Method 1

the kinetic energy from the wind is converted to electrical power via a generator in the wind turbine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10253757B2Wind turbine control system with boost based on upstream wind speed

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods, controllers, wind turbines and computer program products for controlling a wind turbine. One or more wind speed measurements upstream of a wind turbine are received 202 and a determination of an indication of a current wind speed at the wind turbine is made 204. The indication may include below rated wind speed or above rated wind speed. It is determined 205 if the wind speed is in an up transition region or a down transition region based on the received one or more wind speed measurements and the indication of said current wind speed. If determined that said wind speed is in an up transition region or a down transition region then a boost action is performed 206.