Abstract: A wind turbine control unit comprising a control module configured to control an actuator system by outputting a first control signal, wherein the first control signal includes a current control sample value and a predicted control trajectory; the control unit further comprising an upsampling module configured to receive the first control signal from the control module, and to output a second control signal for controlling the actuator system, the second control signal having a higher frequency that the first control signal. The upsampling module calculates the second control signal in dependence on the current control sample value and the predicted control trajectory. The embodiments provide a more accurately reproduced control signal at a higher frequency that is suitable for onward processing which does not suffer from the problems of aliasing and delay that exist with conventional upsampling techniques.

Abstract: A method of identifying a fault in a system of gears in a wind turbine is provided. The method determines a first centre harmonic frequency amplitude according to vibrations of the system of gears and determines a plurality of sideband amplitudes of the first centre harmonic frequency amplitude. Further, the method calculates an average sideband amplitude from the plurality of sideband amplitudes and determines a value indicative of damage incurred by the system of gears based upon the first centre harmonic frequency amplitude and the average sideband amplitude. The centre harmonic frequencies may be harmonic tooth mesh frequencies and the value indicative of damage may be a ratio of the centre harmonic frequency amplitude and a difference between the centre harmonic frequency amplitude and the associated average sideband amplitude or vice versa. The method may analyse the value of any ratio obtained and use the ratio values to identify, and monitor the progress of, a fault.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine system comprising a support structure with a plurality of wind turbine modules mounted to the support structure. A control system is arranged to enter a service mode wherein service can be performed in the wind turbine system by applying a first control command to a first subset of wind turbine modules for terminating power production. A second control command is applied to a second subset of wind turbine modules for bringing the second subset of wind turbine modules into an damping mode where each of the wind turbine modules of the second subset is operated and/or positioned to damp vibrations, actively and/or passively, of at least one wind turbine module of the first subset of wind turbine modules.

Abstract: A method of making an elongate reinforcing structure, such as a shear web, for a wind turbine blade is described. The reinforcing structure comprises a longitudinally-extending web and a longitudinally-extending flange. The flange extends along a longitudinal edge of the web and is arranged transversely to the web. The method involves providing a flange structure comprising a flange portion, and a projecting portion that extends along the length of the flange portion and projects transversely from a surface of the flange portion. The projecting portion is bonded between laminate layers of the web. The flange structure is preferably a pultruded component having a T-shaped cross-section. The method allows a simple, inexpensive and reconfigurable mould tool to be used. In preferred embodiments the mould tool has a flat surface without sidewalls.

Abstract: A method for determining a yaw position offset of a wind turbine is provided. A neighbouring wind turbine of the wind farm is identified, said neighbouring wind turbine being arranged in the vicinity of the wind turbine. Produced power data and/or wind speed data from the wind turbine and from the neighbouring wind turbine, is obtained during a period of time, and a yaw position offset of the wind turbine is derived, based on the obtained produced power data and/or wind speed data, and based on the geographical positions of the wind turbine and the neighbouring wind turbine. A local maximum and a local minimum being separated by an angular difference in yaw position being substantially equal to 180°.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine is provided. The method comprises providing a primary power reference signal and a secondary power reference signal. The primary power reference signal is limited according to a primary signal limit. The secondary power reference signal is limited according to a secondary signal limit. The primary power reference signal and the secondary power reference signal are combined to provide a combined power reference signal, which is provided to a power or torque control system of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A modular wind turbine blade is described. The modular wind turbine blade comprises first and second blade modules having spar caps embedded within their outer shells. The spar caps taper in thickness resulting in tapered recesses being defined in the outer shells. The tapered recesses in the first and second blade modules are aligned when the modules are placed end-to-end to form a continuous double-tapered channel. A connecting member having a double-tapered structure is bonded in the channel to connect the modules together. The invention also provides a mould for making the blade modules in which the mould surface includes a protruding elongate feature having a tapered portion configured to form the recesses in the outer shells. During layup and moulding of the outer shells, spar caps are supported on top of the tapered portion of the elongate feature.

Abstract: A rotor lock system (20) for securing a main shaft assembly of a wind turbine (2) in a substantially stationary position, the main shaft assembly comprising a main rotor shaft (16) supported by a base frame (14), and the rotor lock system comprising: a locking disk (22), associated with the main rotor shaft (16), and provided with a plurality of locking apertures (26); and a locking unit (24) comprising a first end (28) arranged to engage with the locking disk (22), and a second end supported by a mounting feature (38) associated with the base frame (14), wherein the locking unit (24) is configured to be adjustable relative to the mounting feature (38) so that the first end (28) moves linearly with respect to the mounting feature.

Abstract: A method for mounting a rotor to a drive shaft of a wind turbine, the method comprising placing a hub on a surface, attaching a first, a second, and a third rotor blade to the hub to thereby make a rotor in situ. To protect the blades and to avoid fixed lifting lugs on the rotor, the method includes the step of wrapping a sling about each of the blades, attaching each sling to a fitting, lifting each fitting to thereby raise the rotor from the surface, and attaching the rotor to the drive shaft while the position and orientation of the rotor is controlled by the slings.

Abstract: A wind power plant system comprising: a plurality of wind turbine generators each having a corresponding generator controller, and a power plant controller for controlling the power generated by the wind power plant system; wherein at least some of the plurality of generator controllers are each configured to: generate a model that indicates the thermal capacity of one or more components of the wind turbine generator, determine power capacity data from the model, said data relating to: at least one reactive power supply level and a corresponding time limit for which that reactive power supply level may be maintained, and transmit to the power plant controller the determined power capacity data, wherein the power plant controller is operable to receive the power capacity data from the plurality of generator controllers and to transmit respective power references to the plurality of generator controllers to control the power generated by the wind power plant system.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade includes an elongate body having a root end configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of a wind turbine. The rotor blade further includes a connection joint at the root end for connecting the rotor blade to the rotor hub. The connection joint includes a plurality of connecting elements integrated into the root end of the rotor blade and including an eye that defines a bore through the root end of the rotor blade. The connecting elements may be formed from folded fiber rovings wherein the fold forms the eye. A method of making a rotor blade having the connecting element integrated therein, and a method of making the connecting elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a first blade section and a second blade section configured to be coupled together at a joint interface. The blade further includes a connection joint for coupling the first and second blade sections together. The connection joint includes a plurality of connecting elements integrated into the first and second blade sections at the first and second blade interfaces. The connection joint further includes cross pins and fasteners for making the connection. A method of making a wind turbine blade section and a wind turbine blade made from such sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling an airborne object (2), such as a kite or a glider, is disclosed. The airborne object (2) may be an airborne energy generating system. The airborne object (2) is coupled to a part of a wind turbine (1), such as a nacelle (4), a tower (3) or a foundation, via a cable (7). At least one parameter related to movements (8) of the tower (3) of the wind turbine (1) is measured, and a cable force (9) of the cable (7) acting on the wind turbine (1) is adjusted, based on the at least one measured parameter. Thereby the tower movements (8) can be counteracted and fatigue can be reduced.

Abstract: A transportation system (300) for, and a method (1104, 1106, 1108) of loading for transportation of, a segment (330) of a wind turbine tower are disclosed. The system has a transportation platform (304), the transportation platform having a centreline (320), and a segment support (306, 310) mountable on the transportation platform. The segment support is configured to permit tilting of a supported segment with respect to a pivot point (308) of the support. The segment support is further configured to receive a segment such that the centre of gravity (342) of the segment is offset transversely from: the support pivot point; and from the transport platform centreline. The segment support is also configured to, having received the segment, permit tilting of the segment with respect to the support pivot point to a rest position, and in the rest position the centre of gravity of the segment is alignable vertically with the transport platform centreline.

Abstract: An applicator tool (40) for repairing damage (26) to a wind turbine blade (20) includes a spatula (42) including a flexible extrusion plate (44) and one or more spacers (60, 106) positioned proximate an inner surface (58) of the extrusion plate (44). The one or more spacers (60, 106) are configured to define a gap between an outer surface (34) of the wind turbine blade (20) and the inner surface (58) of the extrusion plate (44). A feed tube (86) is provided for supplying a coating material to the spatula (42), wherein the spatula (42) is configured to shape the coating material into a coating (30) over a damaged area (26) of the wind turbine blade (20).

Abstract: A wind turbine blade assembly is described. The wind turbine blade assembly comprises: first and second blade sections connected together, each blade section having a shell defining an aerodynamic profile and each section comprising lightning protection components; a substantially enclosed interior region defined in part by the shell of the first blade section and in part by the shell of the second blade section; a first connector located in the interior region, the first connector being attached to the first blade section and electrically connected to the lightning protection components of the first blade section, the first connector defining a contact surface; a second connector located in the interior region, the second connector being attached to the second blade section and electrically connected to the lightning protection components of the second blade section, the second connector defining a contact surface opposed to and in contact with the contact surface of the first connector.

Abstract: A method, controller, wind turbine, and computer program product are disclosed for collecting data from wind turbines in a wind farm. An example method generally includes receiving, from a client device, a subscription request identifying a plurality of data points to collect from a set of wind turbines. A wind farm server establishes a client interface with the client device. The wind farm server receives data points form the plurality of wind turbines and buffers the identified collected data points from the set of wind turbines in a data repository. Through the client interface, the wind farm server receives a request for data points collected from at least one wind turbine over a specified time period, and responsive to the request, transmits the requested data points to the client device. The wind farm server also may push collected data points from wind turbines to a data analysis system.

Abstract: A method is provided for testing a reliability of a plurality of driven components (22, 24, 30), such as those to be used as power train elements in one or more wind turbines. The method includes conducting physical success run testing on a test bench (42) of a first subset of test specimens (50) provided for the driven components (22, 24, 30), determining a minimum test duration needed for one of a second subset of test specimens (50) that will be required to confirm reliability of the driven components (22, 24, 30) at a predetermined target confidence level, and conducting physical success run testing of the second subset of the test specimens (50). The planning and evaluation of physical testing according to the methods described herein avoid excessive, unnecessary use of the test bench (42) and other resources. As such, results of desired confidence levels for operators of driven components (22, 24, 30) such as wind turbine operators can be reliably provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine is described. The method comprises calculating a current wear rate for each of the main bearing of a turbine rotor and the blade bearings of rotor blades mounted on the turbine rotor, and calculating a blade pitch adjustment of the rotor blades to achieved a desired ratio between main bearing wear and blade bearing wear in dependence on the calculated current wear rates of the main bearing and the blade bearings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to control of a wind turbine, and in particular it relates to a distributed control system including a blade controller for each blade of the wind turbine. The electrical connection between each blade controller and the power supply of the blade controller is arranged to be functionally isolated from the electrical connection of each other blade controller and the power supply of the respective blade controllers.