Wind Turbine Variable Speed Limit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines face challenges in preventing high loads on components and reducing unnecessary emergency shut-downs due to predefined rotor speed limits, which can lead to premature wear and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a variable speed limit system that adjusts based on real-time conditions, using a combination of sensors to monitor failure states and ambient statuses, allowing for flexible operation within a wider or narrower speed range depending on the risk of detrimental overspeed states, thereby reducing mechanical and electrical stress and minimizing shut-downs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a predefined rotor speed threshold is set to prevent high loads, then component wear is reduced, but unnecessary emergency shut-downs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic speed limit that adjusts in real-time based on actual turbine conditions rather than using a fixed predefined threshold. The control system continuously monitors parameters such as component age, weather conditions, and operational state to dynamically set appropriate speed limits, thereby avoiding unnecessary shut-downs while still protecting components when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of speed limit from a static predefined value to a dynamic variable that adapts to changing conditions. By modifying the speed limit parameter based on multiple input factors including component lifespan data and environmental conditions, the system optimizes both protection and operational continuity.
2Reliability
If rotor speed is immediately reduced by mechanical braking to prevent high loads, then component protection is improved, but significant load increase occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring conditions and adjusting the speed limit before dangerous overspeed situations develop. By proactively managing rotor speed within dynamically set limits, the system prevents the need for emergency mechanical braking and its associated high load spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring rotor speed, weather conditions, and component status, then adjusting the speed limit accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents overspeed conditions from developing to dangerous levels, eliminating the need for aggressive braking interventions.
3Reliability
If rotor speed is reduced to prevent high loads, then component stress is minimized, but resonant vibration of tower may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic speed limit system adjusts operational parameters in real-time to navigate around resonant frequency zones. When approaching conditions that might trigger tower resonance, the control system dynamically modifies the speed limit to maintain safe operation without inducing harmful vibrations, thus protecting both components and tower structure.
4Device complexity
If a fixed speed threshold is used to regulate rotor speed, then simple control is achieved, but flexible operation within wider speed range is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the control approach by making the speed limit parameter adaptive rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time conditions, achieving both simplicity in implementation and high operational flexibility through parameter adaptation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method 100 for operating a wind turbine 10 is provided. The wind turbine 10 includes a rotor 18 with at least one rotor blade 22. The method 100 includes determining 101 an actual value of at least one of a first variable indicative of a failure state of the wind turbine and a second variable of the wind turbine correlated to a status of the wind turbine or an ambient status. The method further includes estimating 103 an occurrence of a detrimental overspeed state of the wind turbine 10 from at least one of the determined actual values, wherein a variable speed limit is adjusted based on the result of the estimation. The method 100 further includes operating the wind turbine 10 having regard to the variable speed limit. A control system 80 for performing this method 100 and a wind turbine 10including the control system 80 is provided.