Wind Turbine Wireless Point-to-Point Control Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control of offshore wind turbines is challenging due to unstable internet/SCADA connections, making it difficult to safely stop or reposition turbines, especially when a vessel approaches, and requiring quick reactions in hazardous situations.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a wireless point-to-point communication interface between an operator and the wind turbine, allowing direct control from a safe distance using technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular communication, with end-to-end encryption and priority over SCADA connections, enabling exclusive control and emergency stop functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote control via internet/SCADA is used, then operator can control wind turbine from shore-based location, but connection stability deteriorates in harsh offshore environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the operator and the wind turbine control system. This interface establishes a direct wireless connection that bypasses the unstable internet/SCADA infrastructure, enabling reliable remote control from vessels or shore-based locations without depending on external communication networks.
2Reliability
If operator approaches wind turbine for direct control, then control reliability improves, but safety deteriorates due to hazard exclusion zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for physical proximity (mechanical presence of operator near turbine) with a wireless communication system. The operator can issue control commands and receive feedback through wireless signals without being physically close to the rotating blades, thus eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining control capability.
3Ease of operation
If SCADA connection is used for control, then remote operation is enabled, but response time deteriorates in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a pre-configured wireless communication interface that is ready for immediate use. When emergency situations arise, the operator can directly access the wind turbine control system through this interface without needing to establish connections through external networks, enabling instant response and eliminating communication delays.
4Ease of operation
If mobile communication equipment is used on vessel, then remote control from vessel is enabled, but connection stability deteriorates in harsh marine environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated wireless communication interface installed on the wind turbine as an intermediary that receives commands directly from the vessel's operator. This direct interface bypasses the need for external mobile networks and their associated instability, enabling reliable control from the vessel regardless of marine environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to control the operational status of a wind turbine is provided. An operator communication interface establishes a wireless point-to-point communication to a wind turbine communication interface. The wind turbine communication interface is an integrated part of the wind turbine. A control signal is transmitted from the operator communication interface via the point-to-point communication to the turbine communication interface. The control signal is transferred from the turbine communication interface to an internal control system of the wind turbine. The internal control system of the wind turbine changes the operational status of the wind turbine based on the control signal.