Semi-supervised surface defect detection of wind turbine blades with YOLOv4

Timely inspection of defects on the surfaces of wind turbine blades can effectively prevent unpredictable accidents.To this end,this study proposes a semi-supervised object-detection network based on You Only Looking Once version 4(YOLOv4).A semi-supervised structure comprising a generative adversarial network(GAN)was designed to overcome the difficulty in obtaining sufficient samples and sample labeling.In a GAN,the generator is realized by an encoder-decoder network,where the backbone of the encoder is YOLOv4 and the decoder comprises inverse convolutional layers.Partial features from the generator are passed to the defect detection network.Deploying several unlabeled images can significantly improve the generalization and recognition capabilities of defect-detection models.The small-scale object detection capacity of the network can be improved by enhancing essential features in the feature map by adding the concurrent spatial and channel squeeze and excitation(scSE)attention module to the three parts of the YOLOv4 network.A balancing improvement was made to the loss function of YOLOv4 to overcome the imbalance problem of the defective species.The results for both the single-and multi-category defect datasets show that the improved model can make good use of the features of the unlabeled images.The accuracy of wind turbine blade defect detection also has a significant advantage over classical object detection algorithms,including faster R-CNN and DETR.

Wind Turbine Noise Reduction through Blade Retrofitting

This paper outlines a plan for the effective reduction of the audible sound level produced by aerodynamic noise from the power-generating turbine blades. The contribution of aerodynamic noise can be divided into two categories: inflow turbulence and airfoil self-noise. The base model and retrofit blade designs were modeled in SolidWorks. Subsequently, noise prediction simulations were conducted and compared to the base blade model to determine which modification provided the greatest benefit using SolidWorks Flow Simulation. The result of this project is a series of blade retrofit recommendations that produce a more acoustically efficient design and reduce noise complaints while enabling turbines to be placed in locations that require quieter operations.

Application of SABO-VMD-KELM in Fault Diagnosis of Wind Turbines

In order to improve the accuracy of wind turbine fault diagnosis,a wind turbine fault diagnosis method based on Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer(SABO)optimized Variational Mode Decomposition(VMD)and Kernel Extreme Learning Machine(KELM)is proposed.Firstly,the SABO algorithm was used to optimize the VMD parameters and decompose the original signal to obtain the best modal components,and then the nine features were calculated to obtain the feature vectors.Secondly,the SABO algorithm was used to optimize the KELM parameters,and the training set and the test set were divided according to different proportions.The results were compared with the optimized model without SABO algorithm.The experimental results show that the fault diagnosis method of wind turbine based on SABO-VMD-KELM model can achieve fault diagnosis quickly and effectively,and has higher accuracy.

Performance analysis of 20 Pole 1.5 KW Three Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator for low Speed Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

This paper gives performance analysis of a three phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) connected to a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). Low speed wind condition (less than 5 m/s) is taken in consideration and the entire simulation is carried in Matlab/Simulink environment. The rated power for the generator is fixed at 1.5 KW and number of pole at 20. It is observed under low wind speed of6 m/s, a turbine having approximately1 mof radius and2.6 mof height develops 150 Nm mechanical torque that can generate power up to 1.5 KW. The generator is designed using modeling tool and is fabricated. The fabricated generator is tested in the laboratory with the simulation result for the error analysis. The range of error is about 5%-27% for the same output power value. The limitations and possible causes for error are presented and discussed.

An analytic electromagnetic calculation method for performance evolution of doubly fed induction generators for wind turbines

An analytic electromagnetic calculation method for doubly fed induction generator(DFIG) in wind turbine system was presented. Based on the operation principles, steady state equivalent circuit and basic equations of DFIG, the modeling for electromagnetic calculation of DFIG was proposed. The electromagnetic calculation of DFIG was divided into three steps: the magnetic flux calculation, parameters derivation and performance checks. For each step, the detailed numeric calculation formulas were all derived. Combining the calculation formulas, the whole electromagnetic calculation procedure was established, which consisted of three iterative calculation loops, including magnetic saturation coefficient, electromotive force and total output power. All of the electromagnetic and performance data of DIFG can be calculated conveniently by the established calculation procedure, which can be used to evaluate the new designed machine. A 1.5 MW DFIG designed by the proposed procedure was built, for which the whole type tests including no-load test, load test and temperature rising test were carried out. The test results have shown that the DFIG satisfies technical requirements and the test data fit well with the calculation results which prove the correctness of the presented calculation method.

Dynamic modeling and direct power control of wind turbine driven DFIG under unbalanced network voltage conditions

This paper proposes an analysis and a direct power control (DPC) design of a wind turbine driven doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) under unbalanced network voltage conditions. A DFIG model described in the positive and negative synchronous reference frames is presented. Variations of the stator output active and reactive powers are fully deduced in the presence of negative sequence supply voltage and rotor flux. An enhanced DPC scheme is proposed to eliminate stator active power oscillation during network unbalance. The proposed control scheme removes rotor current regulators and the decomposition processing of positive and negative sequence rotor currents. Simulation results using PSCAD/EMTDC are presented on a 2-MW DFIG wind power generation system to validate the feasibility of the proposed control scheme under balanced and unbalanced network conditions.

Isolated MicroGrid’s Voltage and Frequency Characteristic with Induction Generator Based Wind Turbine

To save on the island area's power supply cost and protect the clean environment, the Isolated MicroGrid is being duly considered. Consisting of the Wind Turbine Generator (WT), photovoltaic generator, battery system, back-up diesel generator, etc., Isolated MicroGrid, which usually uses the inverter to maintain voltage and frequency of the system, is very weak in terms of voltage and frequency stability compared to the large-scale electrical power system. If wind turbine generator is applied to this weak power system, it could experience many problems in terms of maintaining its voltage and frequency. In this paper, the measurement result of voltage and frequency is presented for MicroGrid, which consists of the Wind Turbine Generator adopting the induction generator and the battery system. MicroGrid’s voltage waveform distortion and Wind Turbine Generator’s output oscillation problems are analyzed using PSCAD/EMTDC. Based on the analyzed result, the importance of type and capacity choice has been suggested in case the Wind Turbine Generator is applied to the Isolated MicroGrid.

The Multi-Objective Optimization of AFPM Generators with Double-Sided Internal Stator Structures for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

The axial flux permanent magnet(AFPM)generator with double-sided internal stator structure is highly suitable for vertical axis wind turbines due to its high power density.The performance of the AFPM generator with double-sided internal stator structure can be improved by the reasonable design of electromagnetic parameters.To further improve the overall performance of the AFPM generator with double-sided internal stator structure,multivariable(coil widthω_(c),permanent magnet thickness h,pole arc coefficient α_(p) and working air gap l_(g))and multi-objective(generator efficiencyη,total harmonic distortion of the voltage THD and induced electromotive force amplitude EMF)functional relationships are innovatively established.Orthogonal analysis,mean analysis and variance analysis are performed on the influence parameters by combining the Taguchi method and response surface methodology to study the influence degrees of each influence parameter on the optimization objectives to determine the most appropriate electromagnetic parameters.The optimization results are verified by 3D finite element analysis.The optimized APFM generator with double-sided internal stator structure exhibits superior economy,stronger magnetic density,higher efficiency and improved power quality.

Characteristics of Mechanical and Electrical Power Transmission for Small-Scaled Wind Turbine

Small-scaled wind turbine is converted to mechanical power of windmill to electric power by generator. However almost all studies seems to have overlooked converting relation of mechanical & electric power. It the reason for was very difficult establishing wind turbine system. In this paper, it is define equation of converting relation of mechanical & electric power. And it is verified by experimental methods. Defined equation will be used in developing electric devices such as inverter and controller in wind turbines. In addition this method can be used in the fields that utilize the rotational power into electrical power through generator.

Maximum Power Point Tracking in Variable Speed Wind Turbine Based on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Using Maximum Torque Sliding Mode Control Strategy

The present study was carried out in order to track the maximum power point in a variable speed turbine by minimizing electromechanical torque changes using a sliding mode control strategy. In this strategy, first, the rotor speed is set at an optimal point for different wind speeds. As a result of which, the tip speed ratio reaches an optimal point, mechanical power coefficient is maximized, and wind turbine produces its maximum power and mechanical torque. Then, the maximum mechanical torque is tracked using electromechanical torque. In this technique, tracking error integral of maximum mechanical torque, the error, and the derivative of error are used as state variables. During changes in wind speed, sliding mode control is designed to absorb the maximum energy from the wind and minimize the response time of maximum power point tracking(MPPT). In this method, the actual control input signal is formed from a second order integral operation of the original sliding mode control input signal. The result of the second order integral in this model includes control signal integrity, full chattering attenuation, and prevention from large fluctuations in the power generator output. The simulation results, calculated by using MATLAB/m-file software, have shown the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for wind energy systems based on the permanent magnet synchronous generator(PMSG).

Prediction of Short-Term Distributions of Load Extremes of Offshore Wind Turbines

This paper proposes a new methodology to select an optimal threshold level to be used in the peak over threshold （POT） method for the prediction of short-term distributions of load extremes of offshore wind turbines. Such an optimal threshold level is found based on the estimation of the variance-to-mean ratio for the occurrence of peak values, which characterizes the Poisson assumption. A generalized Pareto distribution is then fitted to the extracted peaks over the optimal threshold level and the distribution parameters are estimated by the method of the maximum spacing estimation. This methodology is applied to estimate the short-term distributions of load extremes of the blade bending moment and the tower base bending moment at the mudline of a monopile-supported 5MW offshore wind turbine as an example. The accuracy of the POT method using the optimal threshold level is shown to be better, in terms of the distribution fitting, than that of the POT methods using empirical threshold levels. The comparisons among the short-term extreme response values predicted by using the POT method with the optimal threshold levels and with the empirical threshold levels and by using direct simulation results further substantiate the validity of the proposed new methodology.

Fractional-Order Control of a Wind Turbine Using Manta Ray Foraging Optimization

In this research paper,an improved strategy to enhance the performance of the DC-link voltage loop regulation in a Doubly Fed Induction Generator(DFIG)based wind energy system has been proposed.The proposed strategy used the robust Fractional-Order(FO)Proportional-Integral(PI)control technique.The FOPI control contains a non-integer order which is preferred over the integer-order control owing to its benefits.It offers extra flexibility in design and demonstrates superior outcomes such as high robustness and effectiveness.The optimal gains of the FOPI controller have been determined using a recent Manta Ray Foraging Optimization(MRFO)algorithm.During the optimization process,the FOPI controller’s parameters are assigned to be the decision variables whereas the objective function is the error racking that to be minimized.To prove the superiority of the MRFO algorithm,an empirical comparison study with the homologous particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm is achieved.The obtained results proved the superiority of the introduced strategy in tracking and control performances against various conditions such as voltage dips and wind speed variation.

Model of DFIG Wind Farm and Study on Its LVRT Capability

As a typical clean and renewable energy, wind power is becoming more and more widely used in electrical industry. However, its characteristics of random and intermittent have brought serious problems to the power system, such as voltage fluctuation and insufficient reactive power. Based on the K-means clustering algorithm, this paper classifies the doubly-fed induction generators （DFIG） according to the operation of propeller pitch angle control. At the same time, to obtain the optimal parameter, advanced particle swarm optimization （PSO） is used. Then the dynamic model of DFIG under the network fault condition is built. What is more, the role that crowbar circuit plays in low voltage ride through （LVRT） is discussed. Finally, simulations in DigSILENT verify the model.

A Sliding Mode Approach to Enhance the Power Quality of Wind Turbines Under Unbalanced Voltage Conditions

An integral terminal sliding mode-based control design is proposed in this paper to enhance the power quality of wind turbines under unbalanced voltage conditions. The design combines the robustness, fast response, and high quality transient characteristics of the integral terminal sliding mode control with the estimation properties of disturbance observers. The controller gains were auto-tuned using a fuzzy logic approach.The effectiveness of the proposed design was assessed under deep voltage sag conditions and parameter variations. Its dynamic response was also compared to that of a standard SMC approach.The performance analysis and simulation results confirmed the ability of the proposed approach to maintain the active power,currents, DC-link voltage and electromagnetic torque within their acceptable ranges even under the most severe unbalanced voltage conditions. It was also shown to be robust to uncertainties and parameter variations, while effectively mitigating chattering in comparison with the standard SMC.

Dynamic Circulation Control for a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine using Virtual Solidity Matching

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) with fixed pitch blades have a limited power capture performance envelope as the Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) changes. Circulation Control (CC) has been proposed and simulated to possibly increase power capture of a VAWT using constant CC jet momentum, but a practical method of minimizing CC usage has yet to be explored. In addition, VAWTs are typically limited in power capture performance either by a maximum peak at a small set of TSR or wide operating TSR at fractions of the peak performance based on the design solidity. Both the reduced jet usage and solidity limitation were addressed by developing a method of dynamically using CC to perform a virtual solidity change. The developed method described within this work used CC to change blade aerodynamics to specifically match a maximum performing static solidity or wake shape at a given TSR. Simulation results using an existing aerodynamics model indicated a significant reduction in the re-quired CC jet momentum compared to a constant CC system along with control over power capture for a CC-VAWT.

Measurement system for wind turbine acoustic noise assessment based on IEC standard and Qin＇s model

A novel measurement system specially used in noise emission assessment and verification of wind turbine generator systems is presented that complies with specifications given in IEC 61400-11 to ensure the process consistency and accuracy. Theory elements of the calculation formula used for the sound power level of wind turbine have been discussed for the first time, and detailed calculation procedure of tonality and audibility integrating narrowband analysis and psychoacoustics is described. With a microphone and two PXI cards inserted into a PC, this system is designed in Qin′s model using VMIDS development system. Benefiting from the virtual instrument architecture, it′s the first time that all assessment process have been integrated into an organic whole, which gives full advantages of its efficiency, price, and facility. Mass experiments show that its assessment results accord with the ones given by MEASNET member.

Experimental Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics of the Model Wind Rotor System and on Characterization of A Wind Generation System

In order to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of 6-MW wind turbine, experimental study on the aerodynamic characteristics of the model rotor system and on characterization of a wind generation system is carried out. In the test, a thrust-matched rotor system and a geometry-matched rotor system, which utilize redesigned thrustmatched and original geometry-matched blades, respectively, are applied. The 6-MW wind turbine system is introduced briefly. The proper scaling laws for model tests are established in the paper, which are then implemented in the construction of a model wind turbine with optimally designed blades. And the parameters of the model are provided. The aerodynamic characteristics of the proposed 6-MW wind rotor system are explored by testing a 1:65.3 scale model at the State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Before carrying out the wind rotor system test, the turbulence intensity and spatial uniformity of the wind generation system are tested and results demonstrate that the characterization of the wind generation system is satisfied and the average turbulence intensity of less than 10% within the wind rotor plane is proved in the test. And then, the aerodynamic characteristics of 6-MW wind rotor system are investigated. The response characteristic differences between the thrust-matched rotor system and the geometry-matched rotor system are presented. Results indicate that the aerodynamic characteristics of 6-MW wind rotor with the thrust-matched rotor system are satisfied. The conclusion is that the thrust-matched rotor system can better reflect the characteristics of the prototype wind turbine. A set of model test method is proposed in the work and preparations for further model basin test of the 6-MW SPAR-type floating offshore wind turbine system are made.

PI-MPC Frequency Control of Power System in the Presence of DFIG Wind Turbines

For the recent expansion of renewable energy applications, Wind Energy System (WES) is receiving much interest all over the world. However, area load change and abnormal conditions lead to mismatches in frequency and scheduled power interchanges between areas. These mismatches have to be corrected by the LFC system. This paper, therefore, proposes a new robust frequency control technique involving the combination of conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) and Model Predictive Control (MPC) controllers in the presence of wind turbines (WT). The PI-MPC technique has been designed such that the effect of the uncertainty due to governor and turbine parameters variation and load disturbance is reduced. A frequency response dynamic model of a single-area power system with an aggregated generator unit is introduced, and physical constraints of the governors and turbines are considered. The proposed technique is tested on the single-area power system, for enhancement of the network frequency quality. The validity of the proposed method is evaluated by computer simulation analyses using Matlab Simulink. The results show that, with the proposed PI-MPC combination technique, the overall closed loop system performance demonstrated robustness regardless of the presence of uncertainties due to variations of the parameters of governors and turbines, and loads disturbances. A performance comparison between the proposed control scheme, the classical PI control scheme and the MPC is carried out confirming the superiority of the proposed technique in presence of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) WT.

Impact of Shaft Stiffness on Inertial Response of Fixed Speed Wind Turbines

Future power system faces several challenges,one of them is the high penetration level of intermittent wind power generation,providing small or even no inertial response and being not contributing to the frequency stability.The effect of shaft stiffness on inertial response of fixed speed wind turbines is presented.Four different drive-train models based on the multi-body system are developed.The small-signal analysis demonstrates no significant differences between models in terms of electro-mechanical eigen-values for increasing shaft stiffness.The natural resonance frequency of drive-train torsion modes shows slightly different values between damped and undamped models,but no significant differences are found in the number-mass models.Time-domain simulations show the changes in the active power contribution of a wind farm based on a fixed speed wind turbine during the system frequency disturbance.The changes in the kinetic energy during the dynamic process are calculated and their contribution to the inertia constant is small and effective.The largest contribution of the kinetic energy is provided at the beginning of the system frequency disturbance to reduce the rate of the frequency change,it is positive for the frequency stability.

Intelligent Wind Power Unit with Tandem Wind Rotors and Armatures （Optimization of Front Blade Profile）

The authors have invented the superior wind power unit, which is composed of the tandem wind rotors and the double rotational armature type generator without the traditional stator. The large-sized front wind rotor and the small-sized rear wind rotor drive, as for the upwind type, the inner and the outer rotational armatures, respectively, in keeping the rotational torque counter-balanced between both wind rotors/armatures. The unique rotational behaviors of the tandem wind rotors and the fundamental performances of the unit have been discussed at the previous paper. Continuously, this paper investigates experimentally and numerically the flow condition around the wind rotors to know the flow interactions between the front and the rear wind rotors, and optimizes the blade profile in the front wind rotor. The front blade should work fruitfully at the larger radius and had better not work at the smaller radius for giving plenty of wind energy to the rear wind rotor, taking account of the flow interaction between both wind rotors.