The future of wind energy relies heavily on the ability of the industry to implement cost reductions. One way this can be done is by building bigger wind turbines. However, if they are also able to introduce control strategies that help decrease the costs of components as well as maintenance.
The benefits may not be enjoyed in the short term, but they will help decrease the mechanical stress, which in turn decreases the price of wind energy. Using the new Lidar based control strategy may help firms achieve this ultimate goal. The Lidar sensor will be mounted on wind turbines and is used to measure upstream wind conditions.
An algorithm was developed to help treat the data collected by the sensor, in order to make it more useful for control purposes. They are also designing a control strategy that gives the whole structure more stabilization. They will also be able to control the displacement of the tower, and therefore be able to decrease its solicitation, ultimately increasing its lifespan.
You can watch the video below on Lidar Assisted Control of Wind Turbines…
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