Wind Turbine Yaw Auto-Calibration for Anemometer Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing yaw control systems for wind turbines face challenges in accurately aligning the rotor shaft with the wind direction due to wind turbulence and local topology, leading to sub-optimal energy capture and reduced power production.
Innovation Solution
A yaw auto-calibration method and system that collects data on mechanical speed, wind speed, and turbine power over time periods to determine wind direction compensation signals, which are then used to adjust the anemometer readings and optimize the alignment of the wind turbine nacelle with the wind inflow direction, thereby improving energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If anemometers are installed at the top of the wind turbine nacelle to measure wind speed and direction, then the yaw control system can detect wind direction and adjust nacelle position, but the measurements are affected by wind turbulence caused by the blades, nacelle, and local topology, resulting in sub-optimal alignment and reduced power capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration system that uses multiple sensors (anemometers, GPS, inclinometers) and computational algorithms to mediate between the raw turbulent wind measurements and the final yaw control decisions. The calibration process acts as a mediator that filters out turbulence effects and topological distortions, providing corrected wind direction data that improves both measurement accuracy and power capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the yaw control system continuously monitors power output, wind direction measurements, and calibration data, then adjusts the nacelle position accordingly. The system uses feedback loops to compare expected vs. actual performance and automatically recalibrates when deviations are detected, ensuring optimal alignment is maintained despite changing turbulence conditions.
2Productivity
If the yaw control system constantly adjusts the nacelle position to track wind direction, then maximum power capture is achieved, but the complexity of the control system increases due to the need for continuous calibration and correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration procedures in advance and maintaining calibration lookup tables that store pre-computed correction factors for various operating conditions. Instead of continuously calculating complex corrections in real-time, the system pre-processes calibration data during periods of stable operation and stores it for rapid retrieval during active power production, reducing computational complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic calibration strategies where the system adapts its calibration frequency and intensity based on operating conditions. During stable atmospheric conditions, calibration is performed periodically with lower computational intensity. During rapidly changing conditions, the system dynamically increases calibration frequency and adjusts correction algorithms, optimizing the balance between power production and system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A yaw auto-calibration method configured to calibrate at least one anemometer of a yaw control system to correct for yaw misalignment. The yaw auto-calibration method includes collecting wind turbine data over a plurality of time periods with respect to the at least one anemometer. The wind turbine data including one or more of mechanical speed, wind speed, turbine power, and wind direction. The method includes determining from the collected data a wind direction compensation signal associated with a plurality of operational parameter ranges and the wind direction compensation signals correspond to the effects on the at least one anemometer due to yaw misalignment. The method further includes providing the wind compensation signals to the yaw control system to adjust the wind direction data of the at least one anemometer for each of the associated operational parameter ranges.