Patents by Inventor Aaron Yarbrough

Aaron Yarbrough has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240068442
    Abstract: A method for detecting and responding to damage in a rotor blade of a wind turbine includes monitoring at least one signal of a pitch actuator of a pitch system of the rotor blade of the wind turbine. The signal(s) is a proxy for a pitch driving torque of the pitch actuator of the pitch system. Thus, the method includes defining a metric that captures certain behavior of the proxy for the pitch driving torque of the pitch actuator of the pitch system. The method further includes comparing the metric to a corresponding metric associated with a reference rotor blade representing a healthy rotor blade. Moreover, the method includes implementing a control action when the metric is outside of a predetermined range defined by the healthy rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Mathew Doyle Angel, Aaron David Honnette, Carlos Alberto Concha Flores, Jonathan Henry Zalar, Mohammed Yousefhussien, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 11802545
    Abstract: A method for detecting and reducing edgewise vibrations in a rotor blade of a wind turbine includes, for a given wind speed, determining a frequency or frequency band at which edgewise vibrations are producible in the rotor blade. The method determines an electrical characteristic of the pitch actuator that correlates to an increased torque required to hold a pitch angle of the rotor blade constant at the frequency or frequency band. During an operational power-production mode of the wind turbine, the electrical characteristic of the pitch actuator is monitored. Upon the electrical characteristic reaching a predefined limit value indicative of edgewise vibrations in the rotor blade, corrective action is initiated by the wind turbine controller to reduce or prevent the edgewise vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aaron Yarbrough, Mathew Doyle Angel, Carlos Alberto Concha Flores, Aaron David Honnette
  • Patent number: 9863402
    Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes calculating one or more blade root loads, e.g. a blade root resultant moment, of at least one rotor blade of the wind turbine. Another step includes estimating a span-wise loading of the rotor blade based at least partially on the one or more blade root loads. The method also includes determining a deformation margin of the rotor blade based at least partially on the span-wise loading and one or more estimated deformations occurring on the rotor blade. Another step includes controlling the wind turbine based on the deformation margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 9759192
    Abstract: A system and method for braking a wind turbine includes monitoring rotation of the wind turbine generator rotor. A braking torque is applied to reduce the rotational speed of the rotor at a first setpoint rotational speed. The braking torque is proportionally increased as the rotational speed of the rotor increases beyond the first detected setpoint rotational speed up to a maximum braking torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Brandon Shane Gerber, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Publication number: 20160237988
    Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes calculating one or more blade root loads, e.g. a blade root resultant moment, of at least one rotor blade of the wind turbine. Another step includes estimating a span-wise loading of the rotor blade based at least partially on the one or more blade root loads. The method also includes determining a deformation margin of the rotor blade based at least partially on the span-wise loading and one or more estimated deformations occurring on the rotor blade. Another step includes controlling the wind turbine based on the deformation margin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 9190944
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a wind turbine generator detect wind speeds and, at a first defined wind speed, control generator torque and generator rotational speed to achieve a pre-defined power for the wind turbine generator at the first defined wind speed. As wind speed increases beyond the first defined wind speed, one of generator torque or generator rotational speed is increased and the other of generator rotational speed or generator torque is proportionally decreased to maintain the generator power substantially constant at the pre-defined power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Brandon Shane Gerber, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8834117
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine includes a rotor blade having a pressure side member, a suction side member, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. An electrically conductive band extends longitudinally on either or both of the pressure side member and suction side member along the trailing edge. A plurality of electrically conductive noise reduction features extend from the trailing edge and are configured as individual lightning strike receptors. The noise reduction features are configured in conductive communication with the conductive band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aaron Yarbrough, Yaru Najem Mendez Hernandez, Theodosia Kourkoutsaki, Biju Nanukuttan, Matthew G. Gann, Richard Hardison, Scott Gabell Riddell, Christopher Daniel Caruso, Wendy Wen-Ling Lin, Jamie Livingston
  • Publication number: 20140167416
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a wind turbine generator detect wind speeds and, at a first defined wind speed, control generator torque and generator rotational speed to achieve a pre-defined power for the wind turbine generator at the first defined wind speed. As wind speed increases beyond the first defined wind speed, one of generator torque or generator rotational speed is increased and the other of generator rotational speed or generator torque is proportionally decreased to maintain the generator power substantially constant at the pre-defined power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Brandon Shane Gerber, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Publication number: 20140119932
    Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade includes a blade root, a blade tip and a body extending between the blade root and the blade tip. The body has a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The body also defines an inner surface. The rotor blade also includes a spar member extending between a portion of the inner surface defined on the pressure side of the body and a portion of the inner surface defined on the suction side of the body. In addition, the rotor blade includes a plurality of structural members extending adjacent to the inner surface. The structural members are configured to intersect one another along the inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric Lee Bell, Matthew G. Gann, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8704393
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a wind turbine generator at wind speeds in excess of rated wind speed to detect wind speeds and, at rated wind speed, control generator torque and generator rotational speed to achieve a rated power for the wind turbine generator. As wind speed increases beyond the rated wind speed, one of generator torque or generator rotational speed is increased and the other of generator rotational speed or generator torque is proportionally decreased to maintain the generator power substantially constant at rated power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Brandon Shane Gerber, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Publication number: 20140050579
    Abstract: A system and method for braking a wind turbine includes monitoring rotation of the wind turbine generator rotor. A braking torque is applied to reduce the rotational speed of the rotor at a first setpoint rotational speed. The braking torque is proportionally increased as the rotational speed of the rotor increases beyond the first detected setpoint rotational speed up to a maximum braking torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Frank Perley, Brandon Shane Gerber, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Publication number: 20140042745
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a wind turbine generator at wind speeds in excess of rated wind speed to detect wind speeds and, at rated wind speed, control generator torque and generator rotational speed to achieve a rated power for the wind turbine generator. As wind speed increases beyond the rated wind speed, one of generator torque or generator rotational speed is increased and the other of generator rotational speed or generator torque is proportionally decreased to maintain the generator power substantially constant at rated power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Franklin Perley, Brandon Shane Gerber, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8430633
    Abstract: A blade extension for a rotor blade and a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge each extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. At least one of the leading edge or the trailing edge has a modified aerodynamic contour. The rotor blade assembly further includes a blade extension including a first panel and an opposed second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel includes an interior surface and an exterior surface each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of the first panel and the second panel is spaced apart from the rotor blade in a generally chord-wise direction in a standard operation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christian A. Carroll, Stefan Herr, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8393871
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade has upper and lower shell members with a respective spar cap configured on an internal face of the shell members. A shear web extends between the spar caps along a longitudinal length of the blade. A connection assembly is configured between the transverse ends of the shear web and the spar caps. The connection assembly includes a spacer member configured on the spar cap. A male/female engagement interface is defined between transverse end of the shear web and the spacer member, and includes an axial extension length to accommodate for variances in shear web length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8376703
    Abstract: A blade extension for a rotor blade and a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge each extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes a blade extension including a first panel and an opposed second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel includes an interior surface and an exterior surface each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of the first panel and the second panel is spaced apart from the rotor blade in a generally chord-wise direction in a standard operation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christian A. Carroll, Stefan Herr, Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8262362
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade has upper and lower shell members with a respective spar cap configured on an internal face of the shell members. A shear web extends between the spar caps along a longitudinal length of the blade. A connection assembly is configured between the transverse ends of the shear web and the spar caps. The connection assembly includes spring flange members that extend distally beyond the transverse ends of the shear web at opposite sides of the shear web so as to define a laterally extending float section. A bond paste layer is between the float sections and the spar cap and between the transverse end of the shear web and the spar cap as a result of compression of the spring flanges against the spar cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8257048
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade has upper and lower shell members with a respective spar cap configured on an internal face of the shell members. A shear web extends between the spar caps along a longitudinal length of the blade and includes first and second components extending from a respective spar cap. An intermediate connection assembly is provided between facing transverse ends of the first and second components, and includes bond paste retaining structure configured relative to the transverse ends to achieve a bond between the transverse ends having desired width and thickness dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Aaron Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8235671
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade has upper and lower shell members with a respective spar cap configured on an internal face of the shell members. A shear web extends between the spar caps along a longitudinal length of the blade. A connection assembly is configured between the transverse ends of the shear web and the spar caps and includes a channel structure configured on the spar cap. The channel structure includes rigid side walls that extend from the spar cap along the longitudinal sides of the shear web. Bond paste is disposed between the channel structure side walls and the longitudinal sides of the shear web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Aaron Yarbrough
  • Publication number: 20120141277
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine includes a rotor blade having a pressure side member, a suction side member, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. An electrically conductive band extends longitudinally on either or both of the pressure side member and suction side member along the trailing edge. A plurality of electrically conductive noise reduction features extend from the trailing edge and are configured as individual lightning strike receptors. The noise reduction features are configured in conductive communication with the conductive band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Yarbrough, Yaru Najem Mendez Hernandez, Theodosia Kourkoutsaki, Biju Nanukuttan, Matthew G. Gann, Richard Hardison, Scott Gabell Riddell, Christopher Daniel Caruso, Wendy Wen-Ling Lin, Jamie Livingston
  • Publication number: 20120134836
    Abstract: A blade extension for a rotor blade and a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge each extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. At least one of the leading edge or the trailing edge has a modified aerodynamic contour. The rotor blade assembly further includes a blade extension including a first panel and an opposed second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel includes an interior surface and an exterior surface each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of the first panel and the second panel is spaced apart from the rotor blade in a generally chord-wise direction in a standard operation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christian A. Carroll, Stefan Herr, Aaron Yarbrough