Control System and Method for Operating a Plurality of Wind Turbines

Abstract

A method for operating a plurality of wind turbines, in which a first current estimated wind value is derived from operating parameters of a first wind turbine, and in which a second current estimated wind value is derived from operating parameters of a second wind turbine. A prediction model is applied to derive, from the first current estimated wind value and the second current estimated wind value, a wind prediction, applicable to a future time point, for a third wind turbine. The wind prediction is processed in a controller, in order to generate a control signal for the third wind turbine that is effective before the future time point. The invention additionally relates to an associated control system. The loading for particular wind turbines can be reduced in that the wind conditions are predicted for a future time point.

Claims

1. A method for operating a plurality of wind turbines (14, 15, 16), said method comprising: deriving a first current estimated wind value from operating parameters of a first wind turbine (14); deriving a second current estimated wind value from operating parameters of a second wind turbine (15); applying a prediction model (28) to said first current estimated wind value and said second current estimated wind value to derive a wind prediction applicable to a future time point for a third wind turbine (16); processing said wind prediction in a controller (24) to generate a control signal for the third wind turbine (16) that is effective before the future point in time (25).

2. The method of claim 1, comprising: mapping the wind prediction into a geographical coordinate system by said prediction model.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising: defining a location of said third wind turbine (16) by coordinates within the geographical coordinate system.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said third wind turbine (16) draws power from the wind, said method comprising: reducing the power drawn from the wind by the third wind turbine (16) according to the control signal.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is active only when the current wind speed is above a nominal wind speed or the third wind turbine (16) is being operated at a nominal output.

6. The method of claim 1, comprising: deriving, in the prediction model 28, a speed at which a front line (22) of a wind field is approaching the third wind turbine (16) from the first estimated wind value or from the second estimated wind value.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the case of a change in a wind direction, said method comprising: determining in the prediction model (28) a time span between the current time point and the future time point as a sum of a time lag derived from a current wind speed and an additional time that represents a wake of the first wind turbine (14) or a wake of the second wind turbine (15).

8. The method of claim 1, comprising: including a wake model (29) in the prediction model (28), said wake model (29) according to which the wake (30) widens as a distance from the first or second wind turbine (14, 15) increases.

9. The method of claim 1, comprising: determining a sequence of estimated wind values at differing time points for each wind turbine (14, 15, 16), and storing the sequence of estimated wind values for each wind turbine (14, 15, 16).

10. The method of claim 9, comprising: using the estimated wind values determined for a first group of wind turbines (14, 15) to compile a wind prediction, applicable to a future time point (25), for a second group of wind turbines (16).

11. The method of claim 10, comprising: assigning a wind turbine to the first group or the second group depending upon a wind direction (18) or depending upon the future time point (25) to which the wind prediction is applicable.

12. A control system for a plurality of wind turbines (14, 15, 16), said control system comprising: acquisition means which derives a first current estimated wind value from operating parameters of a first wind turbine (14) and derives a second current estimated wind value from operating parameters of a second wind turbine (15); and a prediction model which derives a wind prediction, applicable to third wind turbine (16) at a future time point (25), from the first current estimated wind value and the second current estimated wind value; and a control system (21, 24) which processes said wind prediction and generates a control signal for the third wind turbine (16) that is effective before the future time point (25).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The invention is described exemplarily in the following with reference to the appended drawings, on the basis of advantageous embodiments. There are shown:

[0041] FIG. 1: an arrangement of wind turbines according to the invention;

[0042] FIG. 2: the view according to FIG. 1, in the case of a different embodiment of the invention;

[0043] FIG. 3: the view according to FIG. 1, in the case of a further embodiment of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 4: an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0045] FIG. 5: a schematic representation of a control system according to the invention;

[0046] FIG. 6: a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a control system according to the invention; and

[0047] FIG. 7: a flow chart showing an example of steps in obtaining a wind prediction according to aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] A wind park shown in FIG. 1 comprises a first wind turbine 14, a second wind turbine 15 and a third wind turbine 16. Each wind turbine 14, 15, 16 comprises a rotor, which is put into rotation by the wind and which drives a generator for the purpose of generating electrical energy. Each wind turbine 14, 15, 16, has a rated electrical energy output, which corresponds to the maximum electrical power the wind turbine can deliver in continuous operation. This maximum electrical power can be referred to as the nominal output of the wind turbine 14, 15, 16. The minimum wind speed necessary for the turbine to generate its nominal electrical output can be referred to as the nominal wind speed for the turbine 14, 15, 16. Each of the wind turbines 14, 15, 16 additionally comprises a wind estimator 17, which in FIG. 1 is represented only on the example of the wind turbine 15.

[0049] The wind estimators 17 are designed to determine, for each of the wind turbines 14, 15, 16, an estimated value for the wind speed and possibly also for the wind direction. Each estimated value is derived from one or more operating parameters of the respective wind turbine 14, 15, 16, which change in dependence on the air-mass flow acting upon the entire rotor. These operating parameters may comprise, for example, the rotational speed of the rotor, the pitch angle of the rotor blades, the torque applied by the rotor and/or a deformation of one or more rotor blades. Since the rotor sweeps a large area, reliable values for the effective wind speed, and optionally also those for the wind direction, can be estimated by means of the wind estimator 17. It is also possible for the wind direction to be measured by means of a wind-direction sensor system known from the prior art.

[0050] In the case of the wind direction 18 prevailing in FIG. 1, the third wind turbine 16 is located downwind from the first wind turbine 14 and the second wind turbine 15. The distance between the third wind turbine 16 and the wind turbines 14, 15, as viewed in the wind direction, is such that the third wind turbine 16 is located in the wake of the wind turbines 14, 15. Thus, in the case of the wind direction 18, the wind conditions experienced by the third wind turbine 16 are influenced by the operation of the front wind turbines 14, 15.

[0051] Estimated wind values at the first wind turbine 14 and at the second wind turbine 15 are determined, at the current time point 20, on the time axis 19 in FIG. 1. The estimated wind values are passed to a prediction computer 21, in which there is a stored prediction model 28. The estimated wind values are fed into the prediction model 28, which processes the estimated wind values in order to determine a wind prediction relating to a future time point.

[0052] The wind prediction comprises a front line 22 of a wind field. At the time point 23, at which the calculation of the wind prediction is completed, the front line 22 is already located somewhat behind the wind turbines 14, 15. According to the prediction model 28, the front line 22 is aligned transversely in relation to the wind direction 18, and is moving in the direction of the third wind turbine 16, at the wind speed derived from the estimated wind values.

[0053] From the time point 23 onwards, a control unit 24 of the third wind turbine 16 can request, from the prediction computer 21, a wind prediction for the location of the third wind turbine 16 that is applicable to a future time point 25. Once the time point 25 has come closer, the control unit 24 of the third wind turbine 16 can compare the wind prediction applicable to the time point 25 with the present estimated wind value of the third wind turbine 16. If the wind strength according to the wind prediction is significantly greater than the present estimated wind value, the control unit 24 can generate a control signal, such that the collective pitch angle of the third wind turbine 16 is increased at a time point 26, which is shortly before the time point 25. Thus, by way of a pre-control, the third wind turbine 16 is preventatively brought into a state in which it is subjected to only little loading by the wind gust impinging briefly thereon.

[0054] The wind prediction determined by means of the prediction computer 21 extends over a geographical region 27 within which the third wind turbine 16 is located. A wind prediction can be requested, from the prediction computer 21, for each location within the geographical region 27, for a particular time point. For example, the third wind turbine 16 sends a request, together with its geographical coordinates, to the prediction computer 21, and as a response obtains a wind prediction for the future time point 25.

[0055] The wind prediction comprises a prediction value for the wind direction and a prediction value for the wind speed. The greater the predicted wind speed in comparison with the present wind speed, the greater is the magnitude by which the pitch angle can be increased by way of pre-control. The wind prediction may additionally comprise a prediction value for the turbulence intensity. The greater the predicted turbulence intensity in comparison with the present turbulence value, the greater is the magnitude by which the pitch angle can be preventatively increased.

[0056] In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the prediction model 28 comprises a wake model 29. The wake model 29 makes it possible to take account of the fact that, in the wake 30 of the wind turbines 14, 15, the wind speed is reduced in comparison with an undisturbed wind field. As mapped in the wake model, the wake 30 begins in the plane of the rotors of the wind turbines 14, 15, and propagates in the wind direction, the wake increasing in cross section as the distance from the rotors increases.

[0057] Shown in FIG. 3 is a variant of a wind park according to the invention, in which the prediction model 28 likewise comprises a wake model 29. At the time point 20 the estimated wind values determined by the wind turbines 14, 15 indicate a change in the wind direction. As the foremost wind turbines in the wind direction, the wind turbines 14, 15 were unable to react preventatively to the change in wind direction, and are still facing toward the previous wind direction.

[0058] Obtained by means of the prediction model 28 is a front line 22, which is aligned at right angles in relation to the new wind direction 18. With linear projection of the front line 22, according to the wind speed, the new wind field would reach the third wind turbine 16 at the future time point 25. With the wake model 29, it is taken into consideration that, owing to the wake, there is a resultant time lag until the changed wind direction reaches the third wind turbine 16. According to the prediction model 28, the changed wind direction will reach the wind turbine 16 only at the later time point 31. The time span between the future time point 25 and the future time point 31 is referred to as the wake-related additional time.

[0059] In the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the wind park comprises a greater number of wind turbines. The wind turbines of the wind park that are foremost in the wind direction are first and second wind turbines 14, 15 within the meaning of the invention. If, at a current time point 20, estimated wind values are obtained in the case of the foremost wind turbines 14, 15, a wind prediction is obtained therefrom for the rearmost (third) wind turbines 16 of the wind park, which is applicable to the future time point 25.

[0060] A wind prediction that is based on the estimated wind values obtained at the time point 20 may include all wind turbines located between the foremost wind turbines 14, 15 and the rearmost wind turbines 16. In addition, at an intermediate time point 32, use can already be made of estimated wind values from the other wind turbines over which the wind field has swept in the interim. The wind prediction that is dynamically updated at the time point 32 for the time point 25 for the rearmost wind turbines 16 is based on a broader database, resulting in a greater reliability of the wind prediction.

[0061] In the case of the wind park represented schematically in FIG. 5, the front wind turbines 14, 15, the estimated wind values of which are used to compile the wind prediction, are represented separately from the rear wind turbines 16, to which the wind prediction applies. Which of the wind turbines of the wind park belong to which of the two groups changes depending on the wind direction, and depending on the wind turbines to which the wind prediction is to apply. All wind turbines 14, 15, 16 are equipped with wind estimators 17, which send estimated wind values to a central buffer 33. In the central buffer 33, the estimated wind values are stored together with the geographical coordinates of the respective wind turbine and with an associated time stamp. In addition to this, in each case information may be stored about the operating state of the wind turbine concerned at the respective time point.

[0062] The data are stored in the buffer 33 for as long as is required by the slowest wind field to be considered to move over the greatest extent of the wind park. The slowest wind field to be considered may have a speed, for example, corresponding to the cut-in wind speed of the wind turbines. The buffer 33 is realized as a ring buffer, such that the oldest data of this period are in each case replaced by newer data.

[0063] A central prediction computer 21 accesses the estimated wind values stored in the buffer 33 for the purpose of continuously developing wind predictions, which apply to the wind park at differing time points. The wind predictions are stored in a second buffer 34. Each of the wind turbines 16 can access the second buffer 34 and request the wind prediction that is applicable to their geographical coordinates and to a particular future time point.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the estimated wind values of all wind turbines 14, 15, 16 are stored in a central buffer 33. Each wind turbine 14, 15, 16 is equipped with a decentralized prediction computer 35, which accesses the estimated wind value in the buffer 33 in order to compile a wind prediction, for a future time point, that is applicable only to the respective wind turbine. The calculation may be effected on the basis of a prediction model 28 that is applicable to a larger geographical region.

[0065] The decentralized prediction computer 35 may be set up such that it selectively accesses only those estimated wind values in the buffer 33 that are relevant to the respective wind turbine. These are those wind turbines that are located upwind of the respective wind turbine, and in particular those wind turbines whose wake affects the respective wind turbine.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 7 the method step of obtaining a wind prediction applicable to a future time point for a third wind turbine 16 is explained in further detail. The method starts in step 100. In step 110 a value for the wind speed and a value of the wind direction at the first wind turbine 14 are obtained. The value for the wind speed and the wind direction are not obtained by a reading of a measuring instrument (like e.g. anemometer or wind vane), but are estimated based on operating parameters of the first wind turbine 14. It is well known in the art that the wind speed and the wind direction can be estimated from operating parameters of a wind turbine like e.g. rotational speed of the rotor, the pitch angle of one or more rotor blades, the torque of the generator, an inclination of the tower and/or the deformation of a rotor blade.

[0067] In step 120 a value for the wind speed and a value for the wind direction at the second wind turbine 15 are obtained by estimation from operating parameters of the second wind turbine 15.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 1 a wind field approaches the first wind turbine 14 and the second wind turbine 15 at a time point 20. The wind field may be assumed to have a different wind speed than the previous wind at the wind turbines 14, 15. This means at time point 20 the wind turbines 14, 15 face a change in wind speed.

[0069] In step 130 a direction of a frontline 22 of the wind field is determined. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 the wind field hits both wind turbines 14, 15 at the same point in time. The frontline 22 in this case is determined to be parallel to the rotor planes of the wind turbines 14, 15. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 the frontline 22 hits wind turbines 14, 15 in different points in time. In this case the direction of the frontline 22 can easily be determined based on the time difference and the wind speed.

[0070] In step 140 a velocity of the frontline 22 is determined by identifying the velocity of the frontline 22 with the wind speed. In case the wind speed at the first wind turbine 14 is different than the wind speed at the second wind turbine 15 the velocity of the frontline 22 can be determined as the average between the two wind speeds.

[0071] In step 150 a future time point 25 is determined for arrival of the frontline 22 at the third wind turbine 16. The future time point 25 is determined based on the distance between the frontline 22 and the third wind turbine 16 and based on the velocity of the frontline 22.

[0072] In step 160 a prediction is made that at future time point 25 the third wind turbine 16 will face a wind condition corresponding to the velocity and the direction of the frontline 22. Steps 130, 140, 150, 160 are an exemplary mode of applying a prediction model to wind values of the first and second wind turbines 14, 15 to derive a wind prediction for a third wind turbine that is applicable to a future time point 25. Other variants of prediction models are described in this specification.