Fault detection under operating wind turbine through yaw misalignment conditions

Abstract

In the past few years, the interest in controlling the wind turbine yaw misalignment has re emerged. The reason for this interest is the desire for maximum exploitation of wind turbines and elimination of any omission in the production of electrical energy. The operation of wind generator systems in conditions of inadequate control and compliance with direct wind direction is reflected in the reduction of electricity produced, as well as in reducing the exploitation period of the wind turbine. Accurate yaw angle measurement is a fundamental for efficient operation of the non-compliance angle control system. In wind turbines, which lack such a modern metering system, the occurrence of fatigue working conditions is becoming more and more frequent, and thus the problems and defects that occur with all mechanisms for controlling and adapting nacelle face the upcoming wind. Of particular importance to maintenance an operating wind field, is the adequate and real time detection of such an error. Frequent changes on the direction of the nacelle, or a rare adaptation of the pitch angle to a particular wind turbine have been recorded during the operation mode of one wind turbine from the Bogdanci wind field. The analysis of its operating modes, as well as the proposed solution for optimal operation, in absence of a modern measuring system to control yaw misalignment of the nacelle and the wind direction, are presented in this paper.