Patent · US Active

Method and apparatus for protecting wind turbines from extreme events

US9841006B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by

6References

18Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Vestas Wind Systems A/S · DK

Inventors

Justin Creaby · Westminster, US
Robert Bowyer · London, GB
Christopher Spruce · Leatherhead, GB

Key dates

Filing date	Dec 15, 2011
Grant date	Dec 12, 2017
Priority date	—
Expiry date	May 16, 2034

Classification

Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
CPC primaryY02E10/72
WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A wind turbine has a Lidar device to sense wind conditions upstream of the wind turbine. Signals from the wind turbine are processed to detect an extreme change in wind direction. The detection is performed by differentiating the rate of change of wind direction and filtering for a period of time. On detection of extreme change the system controller takes the necessary evasive action which may include shutting down the turbine, commencing an immediate yawing action, and de-rating the turbine until the yawing action is complete.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.