Stability Control of Wind Turbines for Varying Operating Conditions Through Vibration Measurements

Health monitoring of wind turbine gearboxes has gained considerable attention as wind turbines become larger in size and move to more inaccessible locations. To improve the reliability, extend the lifetime of the turbines, and reduce the operation and maintenance cost caused by the gearbox faults, data-driven condition motoring techniques have been widely investigated, where various sensor monitoring data (such as power, temperature, and pressure, etc.) have been modeled and analyzed. However, wind turbines often work in complex and dynamic operating conditions, such as variable speeds and loads, thus the traditional static monitoring method relying on a certain fixed threshold will lead to unsatisfactory monitoring performance, typically high false alarms and missed detections. To address this issue, this paper proposes a reliable monitoring model for wind turbine gearboxes based on echo state network (ESN) modeling and the dynamic threshold scheme, with a focus on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) vibration data. The aim of the proposed approach is to build the turbine normal behavior model only using normal SCADA vibration data, and then to analyze the unseen SCADA vibration data to detect potential faults based on the model residual evaluation and the dynamic threshold setting. To better capture temporal information inherent in monitored sensor data, the echo state network (ESN) is used to model the complex vibration data due to its simple and fast training ability and powerful learning capability. Additionally, a dynamic threshold monitoring scheme with a sliding window technique is designed to determine dynamic control limits to address the issue of the low detection accuracy and poor adaptability caused by the traditional static monitoring methods. The effectiveness of the proposed monitoring method is verified using the collected SCADA vibration data from a wind farm located at Inner Mongolia in China. The results demonstrated that the proposed method can achieve improved detection accuracy and reliability compared with the traditional static threshold monitoring method.

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Frequency Scan–Based Mitigation Approach of Subsynchronous Control Interaction in Type-3 Wind Turbines

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14154626 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (15) ◽

pp. 4626

Author(s):

Faris Alatar ◽

Ali Mehrizi-Sani

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbines ◽

Wind Farm ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Steady State Operation ◽

Significant Damage ◽

Frequency Scan ◽

Type 3 ◽

Phase Angles ◽

Wind Energy Resources ◽

Control Interaction

Integration of wind energy resources into the grid creates several challenges for power system dynamics. More specifically, Type-3 wind turbines are susceptible to subsynchronous control interactions (SSCIs) when they become radially connected to a series-compensated transmission line. SSCIs can cause disruptions in power generation and can result in significant damage to wind farm (WF) components and equipment. This paper proposes an approach to mitigate SSCIs using an online frequency scan, with optimized phase angles of voltage harmonic injection to maintain steady-state operation, to modify the controllers or the operating conditions of the wind turbine. The proposed strategy is simulated in PSCAD/EMTDC software on the IEEE second benchmark model for subsynchronous resonance. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of this strategy by ensuring oscillations do not grow.

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Evaluation of the Dynamic-Response-Based Intact Stability Criterion for Floating Wind Turbines

Volume 9: Ocean Renewable Energy ◽

10.1115/omae2015-42008 ◽

2015 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marco Masciola ◽

Xiaohong Chen ◽

Qing Yu

Keyword(s):

Wind Speed ◽

Dynamic Response ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Stability Criterion ◽

Area Ratio ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Dynamic Responses ◽

Stability Criteria ◽

Intact Stability ◽

Overturning Moment

As an alternative to the conventional intact stability criterion for floating offshore structures, known as the area-ratio-based criterion, the dynamic-response-based intact stability criteria was initially developed in the 1980s for column-stabilized drilling units and later extended to the design of floating production installations (FPIs). Both the area-ratio-based and dynamic-response-based intact stability criteria have recently been adopted for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). In the traditional area-ratio-based criterion, the stability calculation is quasi-static in nature, with the contribution from external forces other than steady wind loads and FOWT dynamic responses captured through a safety factor. Furthermore, the peak wind overturning moment of FOWTs may not coincide with the extreme storm wind speed normally prescribed in the area-ratio-based criterion, but rather at the much smaller rated wind speed in the power production mode. With these two factors considered, the dynamic-response-based intact stability criterion is desirable for FOWTs to account for their unique dynamic responses and the impact of various operating conditions. This paper demonstrates the implementation of a FOWT intact stability assessment using the dynamic-response-based criterion. Performance-based criteria require observed behavior or quantifiable metrics as input for the method to be applied. This is demonstrated by defining the governing load cases for two conceptual FOWT semisubmersible designs at two sites. This work introduces benchmarks comparing the area-ratio-based and dynamic-response-based criteria, gaps with current methodologies, and frontier areas related to the wind overturning moment definition.

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Performance Enhancement of Proposed Namaacha Wind Farm by Minimising Losses Due to the Wake Effect: A Mozambican Case Study

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14144291 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (14) ◽

pp. 4291

Author(s):

Paxis Marques João Roque ◽

Shyama Pada Chowdhury ◽

Zhongjie Huan

Keyword(s):

Wind Speed ◽

Wind Power ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Power Output ◽

Wind Farm ◽

Wind Farms ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Wake Effect ◽

Wind Generators ◽

Wind Potential

District of Namaacha in Maputo Province of Mozambique presents a high wind potential, with an average wind speed of around 7.5 m/s and huge open fields that are favourable to the installation of wind farms. However, in order to make better use of the wind potential, it is necessary to evaluate the operating conditions of the turbines and guide the independent power producers (IPPs) on how to efficiently use wind power. The investigation of the wind farm operating conditions is justified by the fact that the implementation of wind power systems is quite expensive, and therefore, it is imperative to find alternatives to reduce power losses and improve energy production. Taking into account the power needs in Mozambique, this project applied hybrid optimisation of multiple energy resources (HOMER) to size the capacity of the wind farm and the number of turbines that guarantee an adequate supply of power. Moreover, considering the topographic conditions of the site and the operational parameters of the turbines, the system advisor model (SAM) was applied to evaluate the performance of the Vestas V82-1.65 horizontal axis turbines and the system’s power output as a result of the wake effect. For any wind farm, it is evident that wind turbines’ wake effects significantly reduce the performance of wind farms. The paper seeks to design and examine the proper layout for practical placements of wind generators. Firstly, a survey on the Namaacha’s electricity demand was carried out in order to obtain the district’s daily load profile required to size the wind farm’s capacity. Secondly, with the previous knowledge that the operation of wind farms is affected by wake losses, different wake effect models applied by SAM were examined and the Eddy–Viscosity model was selected to perform the analysis. Three distinct layouts result from SAM optimisation, and the best one is recommended for wind turbines installation for maximising wind to energy generation. Although it is understood that the wake effect occurs on any wind farm, it is observed that wake losses can be minimised through the proper design of the wind generators’ placement layout. Therefore, any wind farm project should, from its layout, examine the optimal wind farm arrangement, which will depend on the wind speed, wind direction, turbine hub height, and other topographical characteristics of the area. In that context, considering the topographic and climate features of Mozambique, the study brings novelty in the way wind farms should be placed in the district and wake losses minimised. The study is based on a real assumption that the project can be implemented in the district, and thus, considering the wind farm’s capacity, the district’s energy needs could be met. The optimal transversal and longitudinal distances between turbines recommended are 8Do and 10Do, respectively, arranged according to layout 1, with wake losses of about 1.7%, land utilisation of about 6.46 Km2, and power output estimated at 71.844 GWh per year.

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Managing Flow Induced Vibration in Subsea Jumpers

10.1115/omae2021-61849 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rakshith Naik ◽

Yetzirah Urthaler ◽

Scot McNeill ◽

Rafik Boubenider

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Properties ◽

Fatigue Analysis ◽

Management Program ◽

Measured Data ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Fe Model ◽

Flow Induced Vibration ◽

Vibration Measurements

Abstract Certain subsea jumper design features coupled with operating conditions can lead to Flow Induced Vibration (FIV) of subsea jumpers. Excessive FIV can result in accumulation of allowable fatigue damage prior to the end of jumper service life. For this reason, an extensive FIV management program was instated for a large development in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) where FIV had been observed. The program consisted of in-situ measurement, modeling and analysis. Selected well and flowline jumpers were outfitted with subsea instrumentation for dedicated vibration testing. Finite Element (FE) models were developed for each jumper and refined to match the dynamic properties extracted from the measured data. Fatigue analysis was then carried out using the refined FE model and measured response data. If warranted by the analysis results, action was taken to mitigate the deleterious effects of FIV. Details on modeling and data analysis were published in [5]. Herein, we focus on the overall findings and lessons learned over the duration of the program. The following topics from the program are discussed in detail: 1. In-situ vibration measurement 2. Overall vibration trends with flow rate and lack of correlation of FIV to flow intensity (rho-v-squared); 3. Vibration and fatigue performance of flowline jumpers vs. well jumpers 4. Fatigue analysis conservatism Reliance on screening calculations or predictive FE analysis could lead to overly conservative operational limits or a high degree of fatigue life uncertainty in conditions vulnerable to FIV. It is proposed that in-situ vibration measurements followed by analysis of the measured data in alignment with operating conditions is the best practice to obtain a realistic understanding of subsea jumper integrity to ensure safe and reliable operation of the subsea system. The findings from the FIV management program provide valuable insight for the subsea industry, particularly in the areas of integrity management of in-service subsea jumpers; in-situ instrumentation and vibration measurements and limitations associated with predictive analysis of jumper FIV. If learnings, such as those discussed here, are fed back into design, analysis and monitoring guidelines for subsea equipment, the understanding and management of FIV could be dramatically enhanced compared to the current industry practice.

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Condition Monitoring of Wind Turbines Based on the Scattering Transform of Vibration Data

10.1115/gt2021-60280 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Junyu Qi ◽

Alexandre Mauricio ◽

Konstantinos Gryllias

Keyword(s):

Condition Monitoring ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Wind Farms ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Vibration Data ◽

Bearing Diagnostics ◽

Scattering Transform ◽

The One ◽

Envelope Spectrum ◽

High Effort

Abstract As a renewable, unlimited and free resource, wind energy has been intensively deployed in the past to generate electricity. However, the maintenance of Wind Turbines (WTs) can be challengeable. On the one hand, most wind farms operate in remote areas and on the other hand, the dimension of WTs’ tip/hub/rotor are usually enormous. In order to prevent abrupt breakdowns of WTs, a number of Condition Monitoring (CM) methods have been proposed. Focusing on bearing diagnostics, Squared Envelope Spectrum is one of the most common techniques. Moreover in order to identify the optimum demodulation frequency band, fast Kurtogram, Infogram and Sparsogram are nowadays popular tools evaluating respectively the Kurtosis, the Negentropy and the Sparsity. The analysis of WTs usually requires high effort due to the complexity of the drivetrain and the varying operating conditions and therefore there is still need for research on effective and reliable CM techniques for WT monitoring. Thus the purpose of this paper is to investigate a blind and effective CM approach based on the Scattering Transform. Through the comparison with state of the art techniques, the proposed methodology is found more powerful to detect a fault on six validated WT datasets.

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2D Numerical Simulation Study of Airfoil Performance

10.5194/wes-2021-45 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nasser Shelil

Keyword(s):

Experimental Data ◽

Wind Tunnel ◽

Air Temperature ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Aerodynamic Force ◽

Angle Of Attack ◽

Turbulence Models ◽

Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Ansys Fluent

Abstract. The aerodynamic characteristics of DTU-LN221 airfoil is studied. ANSYS Fluent is used to simulate the airfoil performance with seven different turbulence models. The simulation results for the airfoil with different turbulence models are compared with the wind tunnel experimental data performed under the same operating conditions. It is found that there is a good agreement between the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predicted aerodynamic force coefficients with wind tunnel experimental data especially with angle of attack between −5° to 10°. RSM is chosen to investigate the flow field structure and the surface pressure coefficients under different angle of attack between −5° to 10°. Also the effect of changing air temperature, velocity and turbulence intensity on lift and drag coefficients/forces are examined. The results show that it is recommended to operate the wind turbines airfoil at low air temperature and high velocity to enhance the performance of the wind turbines.

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Prognostics-based adaptive control strategy for lifetime control of wind turbines

10.5194/wes-2021-144 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Edwin Kipchirchir ◽

Manh Hung Do ◽

Jackson Githu Njiri ◽

Dirk Söffker

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Control Strategy ◽

Fatigue Loading ◽

Operational Reliability ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Rotor Blades ◽

Time Step ◽

Damage Level ◽

Structural Loading

Abstract. Variability of wind profiles in both space and time is responsible for fatigue loading in wind turbine components. Advanced control methods for mitigating structural loading in these components have been proposed in previous works. These also incorporate other objectives like speed and power regulation for above-rated wind speed operation. In recent years, lifetime control and extension strategies have been proposed to guaranty power supply and operational reliability of wind turbines. These control strategies typically rely on a fatigue load evaluation criteria to determine the consumed lifetime of these components, subsequently varying the control set-point to guaranty a desired lifetime of the components. Most of these methods focus on controlling the lifetime of specific structural components of a wind turbine, typically the rotor blade or tower. Additionally, controllers are often designed to be valid about specific operating points, hence exhibit deteriorating performance in varying operating conditions. Therefore, they are not able to guaranty a desired lifetime in varying wind conditions. In this paper an adaptive lifetime control strategy is proposed for controlled ageing of rotor blades to guaranty a desired lifetime, while considering damage accumulation level in the tower. The method relies on an online structural health monitoring system to vary the lifetime controller gains based on a State of Health (SoH) measure by considering the desired lifetime at every time-step. For demonstration, a 1.5 MW National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reference wind turbine is used. The proposed adaptive lifetime controller regulates structural loading in the rotor blades to guaranty a predefined damage level at the desired lifetime without sacrificing on the speed regulation performance of the wind turbine. Additionally, significant reduction in the tower fatigue damage is observed.

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Modeling and simulation of forces applied to the horizontal axis wind turbine rotors by the vortex method coupled with the method of the blade element

International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems (IJPEDS) ◽

10.11591/ijpeds.v12.i1.pp413-420 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 413

Author(s):

Ibtissem Barkat ◽

Abdelouahab Benretem ◽

Fawaz Massouh ◽

Issam Meghlaoui ◽

Ahlem Chebel

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Wind Farms ◽

Vortex Method ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Horizontal Axis ◽

Rotor Blades ◽

Good Representation ◽

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine ◽

Blade Element

This article aims to study the forces applied to the rotors of horizontal axis wind turbines. The aerodynamics of a turbine are controlled by the flow around the rotor, or estimate of air charges on the rotor blades under various operating conditions and their relation to the structural dynamics of the rotor are critical for design. One of the major challenges in wind turbine aerodynamics is to predict the forces on the blade as various methods, including blade element moment theory (BEM), the approach that is naturally adapted to the simulation of the aerodynamics of wind turbines and the dynamic and models (CFD) that describes with fidelity the flow around the rotor. In our article we proposed a modeling method and a simulation of the forces applied to the horizontal axis wind rotors turbines using the application of the blade elements method to model the rotor and the vortex method of free wake modeling in order to develop a rotor model, which can be used to study wind farms. This model is intended to speed up the calculation, guaranteeing a good representation of the aerodynamic loads exerted by the wind.

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Locating Faulty Planet Gears Using External Vibration Measurements

International Journal of Condition Monitoring ◽

10.1784/204764293664683623 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 14-17

Author(s):

D Peng ◽

W A Smith ◽

R B Randall

Keyword(s):

Vibration Signal ◽

Processing Technique ◽

Operating Conditions ◽

Internal Vibration ◽

Signal Processing Technique ◽

Vibration Measurements ◽

External Vibration ◽

Gear Mesh ◽

Mesh Phasing ◽

Planet Carrier

In this study, a mesh phasing-based approach is developed to locate the positions of faulty planet gears using external vibration measurements. Previous studies have illustrated how this can be achieved using internal vibration measurements recorded from a sensor placed on the planet carrier. It was shown in these studies that the timing of identifiable fault symptoms in the vibration signal relative to the phase of the gear-mesh component depends on which of the planet gears carries a fault. A signal processing technique is then developed to locate the position of a spalled gear using internal vibration measurements. However, internally mounted sensors are not commonly used in planetary gearboxes and it is much more convenient to mount sensors externally, for example on the gearbox casing. Therefore, this study extends the concept of using mesh phasing relationships to locate faulty planet gears, this time using external vibration measurements. The updated procedure is validated using experimental data collected from a test-rig running under a range of operating conditions. The results show that the updated procedure is able to identify the locations of faulty planet gears so long as an absolute phase reference (for example from a tachometer) of the planet carrier is available.

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