Wind Turbine Wake Control via Downstream Turbulence Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems rely on pre-calculated or tabulated wake effects, which do not account for actual impairments to downstream turbines, leading to inefficient wake management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wake control system that uses directly measured turbulence values from nearby wind turbines to optimize control, allowing for real-time adjustments in azimuth position, pitch angle, and generator torque based on actual wind shear and turbulence conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-calculated or tabulated wake effects are used for control, then the control system is simpler and faster, but the accuracy of wake effect representation deteriorates because actual impairments to downstream turbines are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where turbulence measurement sensors on downstream turbines continuously monitor actual wake effects, and this real-time measurement data is fed back to the control system. The control system then adjusts operational parameters (azimuth position, pitch angle, generator torque) based on the actual measured turbulence levels, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real conditions rather than relying on pre-calculated tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/computational approach of using pre-calculated tabulated wake effect data with a direct measurement-based approach. Instead of mechanically calculating wake effects from wind direction and turbine position, the system uses turbulence measurement sensors to directly detect the actual physical turbulence conditions, substituting complex computational models with direct physical measurement.
2Reliability
If real-time turbulence measurement and adaptive control is implemented, then wake management accuracy is improved, but the response time and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having turbulence measurement sensors continuously monitoring wake conditions in advance, and by pre-establishing control strategies and thresholds. When turbulence levels exceed predetermined thresholds, the control system is already prepared to execute specific corrective actions (adjusting azimuth, pitch, or generator torque), reducing the overall response time compared to reactive approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control system adaptive and responsive to changing conditions. The control parameters (azimuth position, pitch angle, generator torque) are dynamically adjusted based on real-time turbulence measurements rather than being fixed or based on static tabulated data. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond effectively to varying wake conditions while optimizing the balance between response speed and processing requirements.
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 effectively reduces turbulence and wake-induced effects on downstream turbines by using real-time data to adapt operations, improving overall wind farm efficiency and reducing negative impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the turbulence measured value is indicative of a turbulence and/or wind shear prevailing at a rotor of the further wind turbine
Implementation Method 2
the turbulence measured value is indicative of a turbulence and/or wind shear prevailing at a rotor of the further wind turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine having a wake control system that is configured so as to control the wind turbine on the basis of wake effects caused at a further wind turbine, wherein the wake control system is configured so as to achieve control based on a turbulence measured value from a turbulence measurement sensor of the further wind turbine. A wind turbine having a turbulence measurement sensor that is configured so as to determine a turbulence measured value, wherein the turbulence measured value is indicative of a turbulence and/or wind shear at the wind turbine, wherein the wind turbine is configured so as to provide the turbulence measured value in order to control the wind turbine and/or a further wind turbine. A wake control system for a wind turbine, but also an improved wind farm and an improved method for controlling a wind turbine and a wind farm.