Wind plant and method for increasing energy capture in a wind plant

US8212373B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Lothar Wittekind · Kiel, DE
• Renjith Viripullan · Bengaluru, IN
• Martin Staedler · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 2, 2011
• Grant date: Jul 3, 2012
• Expiry date: Dec 2, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/72
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Method for increasing energy capture in wind plants includes providing a plurality of wind turbines having a variable speed control system including an initial rotational speed set point value which is a maximum rotational speed set point for wind turbines. Method includes obtaining at least two measured operational parameters from one or more sensors and comparing measured operational parameters to mechanical load of turbine. If mechanical load of turbine is decreased as a result of measured operational parameters, a speed control adjustment method is activated. Speed control adjustment method includes determining an adjusted rotational speed set point greater than initial rotational speed set point value in response to at least two measured and compared operational parameters and configuring control system with adjusted rotational speed set point where adjusted rotational speed set point increases maximum rotational speed set point of wind turbines.