Abstract:
A method and a system for operating a wind turbine (10) during a fault. The system includes a pitch motor for rotating each rotor blade (18), second pitch sensors (72) for determining when the rotor blade (18) is rotated to a set point, and a backup pitch controller (80). After a fault is detected, the method determines whether the wind speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine (10) is less than or greater than or equal to a maximum rated velocity of the wind turbine (10). The backup pitch controller (80) then rotates the rotor blades (18) to a specific set point based on the determination.
Abstract:
A wind turbine blade (112) is situated on a wind turbine (100). The wind turbine blade (112) includes a tip portion (122) and an obstruction removal system (200). The tip 212 portion (122) comprises an end wall which defines an opening. The obstruction removal system (200) is positioned with respect to the blade (112) so as to remove obstructions from the opening.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling a wind driven machine. According to one embodiment, a system including a wind driven machine with at least one component can be provided. The system can also include at least one data collection module for collecting operating data from the at least one component and for providing the operating data to at least one data processing module. The operating data can comprise an electrical characteristic associated with the at least one component. The data processing module can receive the operating data, determine whether the operating data indicates the component is operating in an alert condition and can provide an indicator when the component is operating in an alert condition.
Abstract:
An azimuth angle measurement system includes a rotatable ring, a wire coupled at a first end to the ring, a length measurement device configured to measure a length of a portion of the wire that extends from the ring, and a control system configured to determine an azimuth angle based on the length of the portion of the wire extending from the ring.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for continuing wind turbine operation when normal wind turbine motor control is unavailable due to overheating of one or more wind turbine control motors. Technical effects of the present invention include providing an effective control strategy continuing operation during over-heating of a wind turbine control motor, such as a pitch control motor and a yaw control motor.
Abstract:
A seal arrangement for sealing a bearing comprising a first component and a second component which are rotatably movable with respect to each other is provided. The seal arrangement includes brush seal having an annular brush body carried by the first component and a bundle of resiliently bendable bristles. The brush seal is adapted to maintain a sealing condition when the first and second component are moved relative to each other in a non-rotational manner. Further, a brush seal and a wind turbine having a brush seal are provided.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for continuing wind turbine operation when normal wind turbine motor control is unavailable due to overheating of one or more wind turbine control motors. Technical effects of the present invention include providing an effective control strategy continuing operation during over-heating of a wind turbine control motor, such as a pitch control motor and a yaw control motor.
Abstract:
A control method and associated component configuration provide cooling for components within a wind turbine structure, such as a tower or nacelle. A recirculating airstream of internal air is established in the structure. For a defined set of operational conditions of the wind turbine that affect a required cooling capacity within the structure, the recirculating airstream is controllably augmented with external air to increase cooling capacity of the recirculating airstream. The amount of external air introduced into the structure is balanced with the amount of relatively hotter internal air within the structure so as to achieve a desired balance of temperature and relative humidity within the structure.
Abstract:
A method and a system for operating a wind turbine (10) during a fault. The system includes a pitch motor for rotating each rotor blade (18), second pitch sensors (72) for determining when the rotor blade (18) is rotated to a set point, and a backup pitch controller (80). After a fault is detected, the method determines whether the wind speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine (10) is less than or greater than or equal to a maximum rated velocity of the wind turbine (10). The backup pitch controller (80) then rotates the rotor blades (18) to a specific set point based on the determination.
Abstract:
A control method and associated component configuration provide cooling for components within a wind turbine structure, such as a tower or nacelle. A recirculating airstream of internal air is established in the structure. For a defined set of operational conditions of the wind turbine that affect a required cooling capacity within the structure, the recirculating airstream is controllably augmented with external air to increase cooling capacity of the recirculating airstream. The amount of external air introduced into the structure is balanced with the amount of relatively hotter internal air within the structure so as to achieve a desired balance of temperature and relative humidity within the structure.