How Wind Turbines Adapt to Icy Weather to Keep Making Power

This patent describes a control system that helps wind turbines manage ice buildup on their blades, allowing them to either keep generating electricity safely or shut down gracefully when conditions get too severe.

What it covers

The control system described in this patent helps wind turbines deal with ice. When it determines an "icing event has begun to affect the wind turbine" (Claim 1), it shifts the turbine into an "operational-icing phase." In this phase, the system changes the "angle of attack of blades" by adjusting their "blade pitch angles" (Claim 1). This adjustment is based on current wind speed, power output, and historical performance data, allowing the turbine to "continue to generate electrical power" even with some ice. If the power generation drops "below a threshold" (Claim 1), the system then moves the turbine to a "stopped-icing phase," where the blades' rotation is halted. For example, if sensors detect ice causing vibrations or reduced power, the system might adjust blade angles to shed ice or maintain some power, only stopping if power output falls too low.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover de-icing methods that involve heating elements or chemical sprays; it focuses on aerodynamic adjustments and operational phases.
• —Does not cover systems that simply shut down a wind turbine immediately upon detecting ice without attempting to continue power generation.
• —Does not cover control systems that do not adjust the "angle of attack of blades" by changing "blade pitch angles" during an icing event.
• —Does not cover detection of icing events solely through visual inspection or manual input without sensor data or weather forecasts.
• —Does not cover stopping the turbine for reasons other than power generation falling below a threshold during an icing event.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in the system's ability to dynamically adjust blade angles to maintain power generation during an icing event, rather than just shutting down. It uses real-time data and baseline performance to find an optimal "modified angle of attack" (Claim 1) that balances ice management with continued electricity production.

Why it matters

Wind turbines are a crucial part of renewable energy, but ice buildup in cold climates can severely reduce their efficiency and even damage them. This patent offers a way for turbines to operate more reliably and safely in these challenging conditions. By intelligently adjusting blade angles, turbines can continue to produce power for longer, reducing downtime and making wind energy more viable in regions prone to freezing weather.

Real-world examples

• 1.Wind farms in cold regions like the Great Lakes area or northern Europe
• 2.Modern utility-scale wind turbines with advanced pitch control systems
• 3.Turbines designed for arctic or sub-arctic environments