Dynamic Yaw Precision Modeling for Wind Turbine Power Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Active yaw technology in large megawatt-scale wind turbines experiences yaw errors due to wind speed and direction fluctuations, leading to power loss, which existing systems fail to accurately address.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for dynamically determining yaw control precision by collecting and processing wind speed and direction data to establish models of correspondence relationships between wind speed, variation angle, yaw control precision, yaw fatigue value, and power loss, allowing for real-time adjustments to optimize yaw control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If active yaw technology is adopted to optimize power generation efficiency, then wind energy capture is improved, but yaw errors occur due to wind fluctuations and control precision limitations resulting in power loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed yaw control precision to dynamic adjustment based on real-time wind conditions. The system continuously monitors wind speed and direction data, then adjusts the yaw control precision adaptively to match current atmospheric conditions, allowing the nacelle to respond optimally to varying wind patterns while minimizing yaw errors and associated power losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the yaw control precision parameter according to wind speed and direction variation angles. The system establishes correspondence relationships between these parameters and uses them to dynamically adjust control settings, thereby optimizing the balance between capturing wind energy and minimizing yaw-induced power loss under different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If fixed yaw control precision is used, then control system simplicity is maintained, but power loss occurs due to inability to adapt to varying wind conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control precision parameter dynamically based on wind conditions rather than maintaining a fixed value. By establishing correspondence relationships between wind speed, direction variation angles, and optimal control precision, the system adapts its parameters to match atmospheric conditions, reducing power loss without requiring fundamental changes to the control architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring wind speed and direction data, comparing actual performance against expected performance, and adjusting yaw control precision accordingly. This closed-loop approach allows the system to learn from past performance and optimize control settings in real-time, reducing power loss while maintaining manageable system complexity through algorithmic rather than hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If dynamic adjustment of yaw control precision is implemented, then power loss is reduced by adapting to wind conditions, but system complexity increases due to data collection and model requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based adaptive control systems with software-based data processing and mathematical modeling. By using algorithms to process wind data and determine optimal yaw control precision, the system achieves dynamic adaptation through computational rather than mechanical means, reducing power loss while keeping physical system complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the control system multi-functional by integrating data collection, data processing, model application, and control adjustment into a unified system. The same platform that monitors wind conditions also performs the optimization calculations and implements control adjustments, eliminating the need for separate dedicated subsystems and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If existing yaw control systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision of yaw error is insufficient to accurately address power loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidyaw error measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple mechanical yaw control with an intelligent control system that uses data processing and mathematical modeling to precisely determine optimal yaw control precision. By substituting computational methods for mechanical approximation, the system achieves high measurement precision in yaw error without significantly increasing physical system complexity, as the enhancement comes through software rather than hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3760859B1Method and apparatus for dynamically determining yaw control precision
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 BEIJING GOLDWIND SCI & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP3760859B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3760859B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for dynamically determining a yaw control precision. The method comprises: during a predetermined time period, collecting a plurality of wind speed data and a plurality of wind direction data, and processing the collected plurality of wind speed data and plurality of wind direction data; on the basis of the processed wind speed data and wind direction data, establishing a model of the corresponding relationship between wind speed, wind direction angle change, yaw control precision, yaw fatigue, and power loss; and, on the basis of the current wind speed data, wind direction data, predetermined yaw fatigue range, and predetermined power loss range, by means of the corresponding relationship model, determining the yaw control precision corresponding to the current wind speed and current wind direction angle change.