Patents by Inventor Hartmut Scholte-Wassink

Hartmut Scholte-Wassink 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).

  • Patent number: 11946444
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wind turbine blades (22) configured to receive a peripheral device (250a, 250b, 250c) at a portion of the outer surface (211) of the blade (22), and wherein the wind turbine blade (22) is configured to magnetically couple to the peripheral device (250a, 250b, 250c). The present disclosure also relates to wind turbine blade assemblies (200) and methods (700) to provide the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L.
    Inventors: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Andreas Starke, Willem Bakhuis
  • Publication number: 20240084778
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade extending in a longitudinal direction between a root end and a tip end and comprising a shell having an outer surface defining a pressure side and a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge, a chord having a chord length extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge and a load-bearing structure extending in the longitudinal direction, the wind turbine blade further comprises a dampening system comprising a blade dampening body attached exteriorly to the load-bearing structure or exteriorly to the outer surface of the shell, at least a first dampener located within the blade dampening body and positioned with a component in the chordwise direction of the blade and adapted to absorb vibrational forces the wind turbine blade is subjected to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Andreas HERRIG, Hartmut SCHOLTE-WASSINK, Satya Mohan Vamsi DALAM
  • Publication number: 20230323859
    Abstract: A method (800,900) of assembling or disassembling a rotor blade of a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising a tower, a nacelle mounted on the tower and a rotor coupled to the nacelle, the rotor having a rotor hub and a rotor blade, the rotor blade comprising a first blade segment connected with the rotor hub, a second blade segment, wherein the second blade segment is configured for joining to the first blade segment such that the second blade segment extends from the first blade segment towards a blade tip of the rotor blade, and a releasable locking device configured for joining the second blade segment to the first blade segment, the releasable locking device comprising a structural member of the second blade segment, the structural member being configured for engaging a further structural member of the first blade segment for releasable locking with the further structural member, wherein a fastening device of the second blade segment is arranged on the structural member; the method comprising raising (
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventor: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20230184210
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wind turbine blades (22) configured to receive a peripheral device (250a, 250b, 250c) at a portion of the outer surface (211) of the blade (22), and wherein the wind turbine blade (22) is configured to magnetically couple to the peripheral device (250a, 250b, 250c). The present disclosure also relates to wind turbine blade assemblies (200) and methods (700) to provide the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Hartmut SCHOLTE-WASSINK, Andreas STARKE, Willem BAKHUIS
  • Patent number: 11473560
    Abstract: Method for operating a wind turbine, the wind turbine including a wind characteristics sensor for measuring a wind characteristic and at least one wind turbine state sensor for measuring a state of the wind turbine, the method comprising: determining or adjusting (102) one or more wind characteristics relationships; and, performing (104) an operation phase, the operation phase including: measuring the wind characteristics with the wind characteristics sensor, thereby obtaining measured wind characteristics; measuring the state of the wind turbine with the at least one wind turbine state sensor and determining an estimated wind characteristics from the measured state of the wind turbine and parameters of the wind turbine; comparing the estimated wind characteristics to an expected wind characteristics determined from the measured wind characteristics, wherein the expected wind characteristics is determined based on the one or more wind characteristics relationships; and, operating or shutting down the wind tur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Arne Koerber
  • Patent number: 11353007
    Abstract: A method of mounting a nacelle of a wind turbine and at least one component of the wind turbine on a tower of the wind turbine, the method including hooking a roof of the nacelle to a crane hook of a crane, hooking the at least one component to the crane hook of the crane, and lifting the roof of the nacelle together with the at least one component using the crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ulrich Uphues, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Sjoerd van Steinvoren
  • Patent number: 11105062
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a wind turbine foundation is provided. The foundation comprises a first substantially elongated pile (31) in the ground. The method further comprises: arranging a lower end of an elongated channel (41) of a second substantially elongated pile (40) around the first pile (31), wherein the elongated channel (41) extends substantially along a longitudinal direction of the second pile (40), wherein the channel (41) is configured to receive at least a portion of the first pile. The method further comprises lowering the second pile (40) such that the elongated channel (41) surrounds at least a portion of the first pile (31). Finally, the second pile (40) is driven into the ground (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Renovables EspaƱa, S.L.
    Inventor: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20210062791
    Abstract: A method of mounting a nacelle of a wind turbine and at least one component of the wind turbine on a tower of the wind turbine, the method including hooking a roof of the nacelle to a crane hook of a crane, hooking the at least one component to the crane hook of the crane, and lifting the roof of the nacelle together with the at least one component using the crane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Ulrich Uphues, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Sjoerd van Steinvoren
  • Publication number: 20210047996
    Abstract: Method for operating a wind turbine, the wind turbine including a wind characteristics sensor for measuring a wind characteristic and at least one wind turbine state sensor for measuring a state of the wind turbine, the method comprising: determining or adjusting (102) one or more wind characteristics relationships; and, performing (104) an operation phase, the operation phase including: measuring the wind characteristics with the wind characteristics sensor, thereby obtaining measured wind characteristics; measuring the state of the wind turbine with the at least one wind turbine state sensor and determining an estimated wind characteristics from the measured state of the wind turbine and parameters of the wind turbine; comparing the estimated wind characteristics to an expected wind characteristics determined from the measured wind characteristics, wherein the expected wind characteristics is determined based on the one or more wind characteristics relationships; and, operating or shutting down the wind tur
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Arne Koerber
  • Publication number: 20210047797
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a wind turbine foundation is provided. The foundation comprises a first substantially elongated pile (31) in the ground. The method further comprises: arranging a lower end of an elongated channel (41) of a second substantially elongated pile (40) around the first pile (31), wherein the elongated channel (41) extends substantially along a longitudinal direction of the second pile (40), wherein the channel (41) is configured to receive at least a portion of the first pile. The method further comprises lowering the second pile (40) such that the elongated channel (41) surrounds at least a portion of the first pile (31). Finally, the second pile (40) is driven into the ground (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventor: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Patent number: 10415544
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for determining a torque exerted on a shaft of a wind turbine. The system includes a gearbox coupled to the shaft. The gearbox includes a first arm and a second arm. First and second fluid dampers respectively couple to the first and second arms of the gearbox. A first fluid conduit fluidly couples the first and second fluid dampers. A first pressure sensor is in operative association with the first fluid conduit to detect a fluid pressure of fluid within the first fluid conduit. A controller communicatively couples to the first pressure sensor. The controller is configured to determine the torque exerted on the shaft based on signals received from the first pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Till Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10316822
    Abstract: A method for overspeed monitoring of a wind turbine may generally include monitoring an actual rotor speed of the wind turbine while the wind turbine is operating at a current speed setpoint and referencing a dynamic overspeed setting for the wind turbine. The method may also include determining a final overspeed setting to be applied for the wind turbine based on a comparison between the dynamic overspeed setting and a predetermined overspeed setting for the wind turbine. In addition, the method may include comparing the actual rotor speed of the wind turbine to the final overspeed setting, and when the actual rotor speed is equal to or exceeds the final overspeed setting, initiating a control action to adjust an operation of the wind turbine in a manner that reduces the actual rotor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Till Hoffmann, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Andreas Joergens, Thomas Joseph Fischetti
  • Patent number: 10294920
    Abstract: A method for operating a turbine having a rotor including a hub and at least one blade rotatably arranged around its longitudinal axis at the hub, an induction generator having a stator and rotor coupled to the turbine shaft, a pitch drive system having an actuator, a control system, and a measuring device. The method includes: measuring the operational value of a component of the pitch drive system and adjusting the angle to the target pitch angle, wherein the wind turbine is operated according to at least two operational modes. During a first mode, a first target pitch angle is determined at least according to a power curve of the wind turbine or measured wind speed. During a second mode, a second target pitch angle is determined by adding a pitch offset to the first target pitch and is activated when the measured operational value exceeds a predefined activation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Werner Gerhard Barton, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Christoph Wolters
  • Patent number: 10054108
    Abstract: A method for controlling a wind turbine system is provided. The wind turbine system includes a power conversion assembly for converting electrical power into a converted electrical power. The method includes monitoring a power extraction parameter, wherein the power extraction parameter is indicative of the power extracted by the wind turbine system from the wind prior to being converted in the power conversion assembly. The method further includes controlling one or more operational variables of the wind turbine system in response to monitoring the power extraction parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Werner Barton, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20180187655
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for determining a torque exerted on a shaft of a wind turbine. The system includes a gearbox coupled to the shaft. The gearbox includes a first arm and a second arm. First and second fluid dampers respectively couple to the first and second arms of the gearbox. A first fluid conduit fluidly couples the first and second fluid dampers. A first pressure sensor is in operative association with the first fluid conduit to detect a fluid pressure of fluid within the first fluid conduit. A controller communicatively couples to the first pressure sensor. The controller is configured to determine the torque exerted on the shaft based on signals received from the first pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Till Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20180119671
    Abstract: A method for overspeed monitoring of a wind turbine may generally include monitoring an actual rotor speed of the wind turbine while the wind turbine is operating at a current speed setpoint and referencing a dynamic overspeed setting for the wind turbine. The method may also include determining a final overspeed setting to be applied for the wind turbine based on a comparison between the dynamic overspeed setting and a predetermined overspeed setting for the wind turbine. In addition, the method may include comparing the actual rotor speed of the wind turbine to the final overspeed setting, and when the actual rotor speed is equal to or exceeds the final overspeed setting, initiating a control action to adjust an operation of the wind turbine in a manner that reduces the actual rotor speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Till Hoffmann, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink, Andreas Joergens, Thomas Joseph Fischetti
  • Patent number: 9893563
    Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a wind turbine electrical power configured to minimize power losses. The power system includes a generator having a generator stator and a generator rotor, a power converter electrically coupled to the generator, a main transformer electrically coupled to the power converter and the power grid, and an auxiliary transformer. More specifically, the main transformer is connected to the power grid via a voltage line comprising a voltage switch gear. Thus, the auxiliary transformer is connected directly to the voltage line, i.e. rather than being connected to the grid through the main transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Till Hoffmann, Werner Gerhard Barton, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20170229907
    Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a wind turbine electrical power configured to minimize power losses. The power system includes a generator having a generator stator and a generator rotor, a power converter electrically coupled to the generator, a main transformer electrically coupled to the power converter and the power grid, and an auxiliary transformer. More specifically, the main transformer is connected to the power grid via a voltage line comprising a voltage switch gear. Thus, the auxiliary transformer is connected directly to the voltage line, i.e. rather than being connected to the grid through the main transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Till Hoffmann, Werner Gerhard Barton, Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20170082090
    Abstract: A method for operating a turbine having a rotor including a hub and at least one blade rotatably arranged around its longitudinal axis at the hub, an induction generator having a stator and rotor coupled to the turbine shaft, a pitch drive system having an actuator, a control system, and a measuring device. The method includes: measuring the operational value of a component of the pitch drive system and adjusting the angle to the target pitch angle, wherein the wind turbine is operated according to at least two operational modes. During a first mode, a first target pitch angle is determined at least according to a power curve of the wind turbine or measured wind speed. During a second mode, a second target pitch angle is determined by adding a pitch offset to the first target pitch and is activated when the measured operational value exceeds a predefined activation threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Werner Gerhard BARTON, Hartmut SCHOLTE-WASSINK, Christoph WOLTERS
  • Patent number: 9574546
    Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine is provided. The method includes determining a wind condition, determining for the wind condition expected azimuthal positions of a rotating wind rotor of the wind turbine, and determining for the wind condition desired azimuthal positions of the rotating wind rotor so that at least one of a load balance of the rotating wind rotor and a power uptake of the rotating wind rotor is improved compared to the expected azimuthal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink