Variable Speed Control for Wind Turbine Acoustics
47 patents in this list
Updated:
Wind turbines operating at variable speeds face competing demands between power generation and noise control. Field measurements show that increasing rotor speeds by just 2-3 rpm can raise acoustic emissions by 3-5 dB, while blade-tip speeds approaching 70-80 m/s generate distinctive aerodynamic noise patterns that propagate differently under various atmospheric conditions.
The fundamental challenge lies in dynamically adjusting turbine operating parameters to minimize noise emissions while maximizing energy capture across fluctuating wind conditions.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including adaptive control systems that optimize auxiliary component operation, predictive algorithms for resonance avoidance, targeted noise reduction strategies for sensitive locations, and coordinated wind farm control approaches. These and other methods demonstrate how intelligent speed control can balance noise constraints with power production goals in modern wind farms.
1. Dynamic Control System for Auxiliary Component Operation in Wind Turbines Based on Rotor Speed and Component Temperature
SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION & TECH S L, SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY SL, 2024
Method and arrangement for controlling wind turbines to optimize noise reduction and performance. It involves dynamically adjusting the operation of auxiliary components like cooling fans, pumps, and compressors based on the actual rotor speed and turbine component temperatures. By comparing the total turbine noise with a limit, the method determines if auxiliary components can operate with lower power or speeds without exceeding the noise threshold. This allows tailoring the auxiliary operation to meet noise limits while avoiding unnecessary component shutdowns or de-rating. It improves turbine power output and reduces component loads compared to static fixed limits.
2. Method for Determining Optimal Speed Transitions in Wind Turbines Based on Tip Speed Ratio and Wind Energy Utilization Coefficient at Resonance Limits
MING YANG SMART ENERGY GROUP CO LTD, 2024
Optimizing power generation during resonance ride-through of wind turbines to mitigate power losses caused by speed restrictions. The method involves calculating the tip speed ratio and wind energy utilization coefficient at upper and lower speed limits of the resonance zone based on average wind speed and pitch angle. If the coefficient is higher at the upper limit, the turbine is triggered to cross over to that speed. If lower, it crosses back. This allows the turbine to operate closer to optimal speed within the resonance range.
3. Method and Arrangement for Noise Control in Wind Turbines Using Wind Condition and Turbine Parameter Estimation
SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION & TECH S L, SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY SL, 2024
Online method and arrangement for controlling wind turbines to meet noise limits without derating power. The method involves estimating turbine noise based on wind conditions and turbine parameters, comparing it to a noise reference, and selectively reducing power, blade pitch, or other parameters to close the noise gap. This allows targeted noise mitigation rather than blanket derating. The noise estimation uses inputs like wind speed, direction, intensity, and turbine state.
4. Wind Turbine Pitch Control System with AI-Based Blade Angle Optimization and Integrated Noise, Risk, and Thermal Management Modules
LONGNAN JINFUSHENG NEW ENERGY CO LTD, 2023
Wind power pitch control system that uses AI and other techniques to optimize blade angle, noise reduction, risk assessment, remote monitoring, high temperature adaptation, and active pitch control for wind turbines. The system uses recurrent neural networks, deep learning, fuzzy logic, and reinforcement learning to independently optimize blade angles based on real-time wind speeds. It also has modules for noise detection and control, wind energy resource assessment, cloud platform monitoring, high temp stability, and active pitch regulation.
5. Wind Turbine Control Using Aerodynamic Blade Add-ons with Noise-Compliance Optimization
SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS, 2022
Controlling a wind turbine to reduce noise without impacting power generation. The method involves optimizing the use of additional aerodynamic components on the blades to meet noise limits without reducing rotor speed or output power. The technique involves calculating the maximum power generation for given conditions and noise limits, then controlling the blade add-ons to achieve that power while staying below the noise target. This allows leveraging noise-reducing add-ons without sacrificing performance.
6. Dynamic Resonance Avoidance System for Wind Turbine Speed Regulation
Beijing Goldwind Science & Creation Windpower Equipment Co., Ltd., BEIJING GOLDWIND SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 2022
Intelligent method and device for controlling wind turbine rotational speed to avoid resonance and improve power output. The method involves dynamically determining if the turbine speed is in a resonance band, identifying resonance risk, and jumping to a predetermined speed to avoid resonance if risk is found. This adaptive control uses real-time turbine data to accurately identify resonance zones for each turbine and prevent resonance issues. It mitigates the challenges of fixed resonance bands vs actual tower frequencies.
7. Wind Turbine Parameter Adjustment Based on Real-Time Wind Conditions for Noise Control
Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group Co., Ltd., SHANGHAI ELECTRIC WIND POWER GROUP CO LTD, 2022
Method for wind farm noise control that reduces wind turbine noise impact on nearby sensitive areas without unnecessarily decreasing power generation. The method involves adjusting wind turbine parameters based on real-time wind conditions to keep noise levels within limits in sensitive areas. It uses simulation to generate a table of wind conditions and turbine noise control strategies that considers power loss. This allows targeted noise reduction tailored to current wind.
8. Dynamic Wind Turbine Rotational Speed Adjustment Based on Noise Level Measurements
SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS, 2021
Method for optimizing wind farm noise emissions while maximizing energy production. It involves dynamically adjusting wind turbine rotational speeds based on noise levels measured at critical locations. The method involves determining total noise levels at multiple locations, identifying the most critical location, reducing the speed of the turbine with highest noise-energy impact there, and increasing the speed of the turbine with lowest impact. This allows meeting noise limits at critical locations without significantly reducing overall energy production.
9. Predicted Trajectory-Based Control Method for Blade Pitch and Rotor Speed in Wind Turbines
Vestas Wind Systems Group Company, VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS, 2021
Control method for wind turbines that optimizes power production while minimizing noise levels. The method involves calculating predicted operating trajectories of turbine parameters like blade pitch and rotor speed, and using those predictions to calculate noise metrics. The turbine is then controlled based on the predicted noise levels. This allows proactive noise reduction without sacrificing power output. The method can be applied to individual turbines or entire wind farms.
10. Wind Turbine Noise Reduction via Blade Pivot Angle Control with Independent Blade Angle and Tip Speed Adjustment
VESTAS WIND SYSTEM AS, 2021
Method to reduce noise from wind turbines without significantly reducing power output. It involves controlling the blade pivot angle of hinged blades to optimize noise and power tradeoff. The method involves biasing the blade toward the minimum pivot angle when wind speed is low, increasing rotor diameter. At high wind speeds, instead of reducing blade tip speed, the blade bias is reversed to limit blade tip speed. This prevents noise reduction by rotor speed decrease. The bias force is based on allowable noise level or corrosion risk. By independently controlling blade angle and tip speed, noise can be reduced without sacrificing power.
11. Interdependent Wind Turbine Operating Parameter Adjustment for Tonal Noise Mitigation
VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS, 2020
Controlling tonal noise from wind turbines in a wind power plant to reduce annoyance for neighbors without significantly reducing power output. It involves identifying turbines that contribute to audible tonal noise and adjusting operating parameters of nearby turbines to move the identified turbines out of critical operating ranges where tonal noise occurs. This leverages the interdependence of turbine performance and noise generation. By strategically adjusting parameters of multiple turbines, tonal noise levels can be lowered at the reception point without just reducing power output.
12. Wind Turbine Control Method Utilizing Kinetic Energy Buffer for Alternating Variable Speed and Pitch Control
南京理工大学, 国网江苏省电力有限公司电力科学研究院, NANJING UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 2020
A wind turbine control method to reduce pitch angle fluctuations and loads while maintaining smooth power output. The method involves alternating between variable speed control and pitch control using the wind turbine's kinetic energy buffer. The idea is to use the wind wheel's inertia to smooth power instead of relying solely on pitch adjustment. By leveraging the wind turbine's own kinetic energy, it allows smoother power output without as many pitch angle changes and associated loads.
13. Wind Turbine Startup Method with Elevated Speed and Blade Angle to Mitigate Tower Vibrations
WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH, 2020
Optimizing wind turbine startup to prevent tower vibrations and loads. The method involves setting a higher start-up speed and blade angle than normal when starting the turbine. This reduces the chance of exciting the natural frequencies of the tower during startup when winds are gusty. By starting at a higher speed, the turbine operates above the tower's critical speed range where vibrations occur. This prevents tower loads due to excitation of the natural frequency. The higher start-up speed may also require adjusting the blade angle for aerodynamic performance.
14. Dynamic Selection of Crossing Interpolation Functions for Resonance Zone Traversal in Wind Turbines Based on Turbulence Intensity
SANY HEAVY ENERGY CO LTD, 2020
Method for quickly traversing the resonance zone of a wind turbine to prevent excessive fatigue loads during operation. The method involves dynamically selecting the appropriate crossing interpolation function based on the turbulence intensity at the current wind speed. This allows the turbine to traverse the resonance zone as fast as possible without excessive power loss. The interpolation functions are predefined for different turbulence levels. When crossing upwards, the turbine reselects the function if the wind speed decreases. This adapts the crossing strategy in real-time to match the changing wind conditions.
15. Dynamic Noise Control Mechanism for Wind Turbines Based on Sector-Specific Power Adjustment
Beijing Goldwind Sci & Tech Wind Power Equipment Co., Ltd., BEIJING GOLDWIND SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 2020
Dynamic noise control of multiple wind turbines in a wind farm by adjusting turbine power based on wind direction and noise levels. The method involves determining the noise-affected sectors of each turbine using their locations and a noise introduction point. When the current wind is in a sector where a turbine is influencing noise at the point, that turbine runs at reduced power. After the power reduction is completed, it returns to normal power. This compensates for any power loss during the reduction. When a turbine isn't influencing noise, it stays at normal power. This allows customized, dynamic noise reduction without significant overall power loss.
16. Adaptive Rotor Speed Adjustment System for Wind Turbines Based on Environmental and Structural Parameters
Beijing Goldwind Sci & Tech Wind Power Equipment Co., Ltd., BEIJING GOLDWIND SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 2020
Method and device to optimize wind turbine performance, safety, and economy by adaptively adjusting rotor speed based on wind resource, turbulence, load, and start-stop frequency. It determines the minimum and maximum operating speeds for a wind turbine by considering factors like blade passage frequency, tower natural frequency, turbulence, load, and start-stop frequency. This avoids resonance zones and mitigates self-consumption while ensuring safety and efficiency over a wider range of wind conditions.
17. Rotational Speed Adjustment Mechanism for Tonality Concealment in Proximate Wind Turbines
SENVION GMBH, 2020
Method to mitigate tonality in the noise emissions of wind turbines when multiple turbines are operating close together. The method involves adjusting the rotational speeds of adjacent turbines to conceal the tonality of a first turbine's noise. If tonality is detected in the first turbine's noise, the speeds of the other turbines are adjusted to counteract the tonality. This can involve reducing speed to shift the tonality frequency or increasing speed to mask the tonality. The goal is to balance yield optimization with tonality reduction across the turbine array.
18. Dynamic Wind Turbine Power Adjustment System Based on Wind Direction and Noise-Affected Sector Detection
BEIJING GOLDWIND SCIENCE AND CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 2019
Method and device for noise control of wind turbines that dynamically adjusts turbine power based on wind direction to mitigate noise impacts on nearby areas. The method involves determining the noise-affected sector based on turbine and noise introduction point locations. If the turbine is operating in the sector, it reduces power. Once outside, it increases power up to rated. If not in the sector, it keeps checking wind direction. This allows customized noise control based on turbine location and directional noise propagation.
19. Cooperative Active Control System for Wind Turbine Speed and Blade Pitch Adjustment Based on Real-Time Noise and Wind Data Monitoring
UNIV YANGZHOU, YANGZHOU UNIVERSITY, 2019
Cooperative active control of wind turbine noise and power generation to reduce noise levels in residential areas without shutting down turbines. The method involves monitoring noise and wind data near homes using sensors. When noise exceeds standards, turbines near the homes adjust speed and blade pitch to lower noise without shutting down. This allows optimal power generation while meeting noise limits. It uses real-time monitoring and intelligent control instead of blanket noise reduction methods.
20. Wind Turbine Nacelle Yaw Control for Noise Reduction at High Wind Speeds
General Electric Company, 2018
Reducing noise of wind turbines during high wind speeds by controlling the nacelle yaw angle. When wind speed exceeds a threshold, the nacelle is yawed away from the nominal wind direction to increase the blade angle of attack. This reduces noise from the pressure side of the blade, mitigating aerodynamic noise caused by excessive pitching in high winds.
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