Wind flow estimation and tracking using tower dynamics
US7317260B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/728
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A turbine control system for a variable speed electrical generator in a wind turbine mounted atop a support tower. The wind turbine converts wind energy into a driving torque applied to the generator. The control system includes a turbine support tower position sensor and may also include other tower acceleration and velocity sensors. A wind flow estimator uses the measured motion, generator rotation rate and blade pitch angle to predict wind flow over the swept area of the turbine's rotor, and the tower motion. The predicted wind flow and motion is used in the turbine control system to properly adjust its operating point, to tune the controller, to control the rotor rotation rate, and to damp tower oscillations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.