Wind Turbine Yaw Offset Determination Using Power Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the yaw position offset of wind turbines relative to absolute geographical directions are inaccurate due to manual calibration, which can introduce significant errors and require additional equipment or sensors.

Innovation Solution

A method that identifies a neighboring wind turbine in a wind farm, analyzes power production data to determine local maxima and minima in power ratio or difference as a function of yaw position, and derives the yaw position offset based on geographical positions, without the need for additional sensors or equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration of the yaw system is performed using a compass or landmark, then the yaw position offset can be determined, but the accuracy is poor and manual errors are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyaw position offset determination accuracyVSAvoidmanual error risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wind turbine uses its own power production data to automatically determine the yaw position offset, eliminating the need for manual calibration. The control unit analyzes the relationship between yaw position and power output to self-correct the offset, making the system self-calibrating and removing human error from the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors power production data at different yaw positions and uses this feedback to identify the optimal yaw position that maximizes power output. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust and correct the yaw position offset based on actual performance data rather than manual estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors or equipment are used to improve calibration accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyaw position offset determination accuracyVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wind turbine utilizes its existing power production measurements to determine the yaw position offset, eliminating the need for additional sensors or calibration equipment. The system repurposes operational data that is already being collected for performance monitoring, making the calibration process self-sufficient without requiring extra hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it not only controls the wind turbine operation but also analyzes power production data to determine the yaw position offset. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated calibration equipment, as the existing control system is repurposed to perform both operational control and calibration tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual calibration methods are used, then the process is simple to implement, but the productivity and accuracy of yaw position determination are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration implementation simplicityVSAvoidyaw position determination accuracy and efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs calibration using its own operational data without requiring manual intervention. The control unit processes power production data and autonomously determines the yaw position offset, maintaining implementation simplicity while dramatically improving both accuracy and efficiency compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration processes with an automated computational approach. Instead of physically aligning the turbine using compasses or landmarks, the system uses computational analysis of power production data to determine the optimal yaw position, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated digital processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11560874B2Method for determining a yaw position offset of a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

A method for determining a yaw position offset of a wind turbine (1) is provided. A neighbouring wind turbine (2) of the wind farm is identified, the neighbouring wind turbine (2) being arranged in the vicinity of the wind turbine (1). Produced power data and/or wind speed data from the wind turbine (1) and from the neighbouring wind turbine (2), is obtained during a period of time, and a yaw position offset of the wind turbine (1) is derived, based on the obtained produced power data and/or wind speed data, and based on the geographical positions of the wind turbine (1) and the neighbouring wind turbine (2). A local maximum and a local minimum being separated by an angular difference in yaw position being substantially equal to 180°.