Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a wind turbine may generally include monitoring a current yaw position of a nacelle of the wind turbine, wherein the current yaw position is located within one of a plurality of yaw sectors defined for the nacelle. In addition, the method may include monitoring a wind-dependent parameter of the wind turbine and determining a variance of the wind-dependent parameter over time, wherein the variance is indicative of variations in a wind parameter associated with the wind turbine. Moreover, the method may include determining at least one curtailed operating setpoint for the wind turbine when the variance exceeds a predetermined variance threshold, wherein the curtailed operating setpoint(s) is determined based at least in part on historical wind data for the yaw sector associated with the current yaw position.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a wind turbine may generally include monitoring a current yaw position of a nacelle of the wind turbine, wherein the current yaw position is located within one of a plurality of yaw sectors defined for the nacelle. In addition, the method may include monitoring a wind-dependent parameter of the wind turbine and determining a variance of the wind-dependent parameter over time, wherein the variance is indicative of variations in a wind parameter associated with the wind turbine. Moreover, the method may include determining at least one curtailed operating setpoint for the wind turbine when the variance exceeds a predetermined variance threshold, wherein the curtailed operating setpoint(s) is determined based at least in part on historical wind data for the yaw sector associated with the current yaw position.

Abstract: The method includes: dividing the wind farm into a first group of wind turbines to be operated in a non-curtailed mode and a second group of wind turbines to be operated in a curtailed mode for providing a power reserve for the wind farm; determining an actual power production of the first group of wind turbines; estimating a possible maximum power production of the second group at a given environmental condition; estimating a possible maximum power output of the wind farm using the actual power production of the first group and the possible maximum power production of the second group; estimating the power reserve using the possible maximum power output; and updating a power setpoint for at least one wind turbine of the second group so that an expected power production of the second group of wind turbines substantially matches a difference between the possible maximum power production and the power reserve Furthermore, a wind farm is provided.

Abstract: The method includes: dividing the wind farm into a first group of wind turbines to be operated in a non-curtailed mode and a second group of wind turbines to be operated in a curtailed mode for providing a power reserve for the wind farm; determining an actual power production of the first group of wind turbines; estimating a possible maximum power production of the second group at a given environmental condition; estimating a possible maximum power output of the wind farm using the actual power production of the first group and the possible maximum power production of the second group; estimating the power reserve using the possible maximum power output; and updating a power setpoint for at least one wind turbine of the second group so that an expected power production of the second group of wind turbines substantially matches a difference between the possible maximum power production and the power reserve Furthermore, a wind farm is provided.

Abstract: The invention involves the use of thermal imaging equipment to take infrared images of a steam turbine during start-up. The exterior temperatures developed from the infrared images are correlated with turbine vibration data to determine which insulation temperature patterns reflect insulation poor enough to cause packing seal teeth to rub and the turbine to vibrate during operation or shut-down. From the thermal images and vibration data, control limits are developed for insulation surface temperature. Insulation is added, before the steam turbine is shut down, in accordance with the obtained data and control limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing self sealing flow in a combined cycle double flow steam turbine, the method and apparatus include providing a brush seal in a packing ring of a packing ring assembly at either end defining the double flow steam turbine.

Abstract: A method for operating a rotary machine is provided. The rotary machine includes a stationary member and a rotatable member wherein the rotatable member is configured to rotate at least partially within the stationary member. The method includes determining an off-normal operating condition of the rotary machine facilitating undesirable contact between the rotatable member and the stationary member, monitoring a parameter associated with the off-normal operating condition, and preventing operation of the rotary machine while the monitored parameter is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention involves the use of thermal imaging equipment to take infrared images of a steam turbine during start-up. The exterior temperatures developed from the infrared images are correlated with turbine vibration data to determine which insulation temperature patterns reflect insulation poor enough to cause packing seal teeth to rub and the turbine to vibrate during operation or shut-down. From the thermal images and vibration data, control limits are developed for insulation surface temperature. Insulation is added, before the steam turbine is shut down, in accordance with the obtained data and control limits.