Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for responding to a friction coefficient signal of a pitch bearing of a pitch drive mechanism of a wind turbine and/or for controlling the pitch drive mechanism(s) and/or a bank of ultracapacitors. The method and system include: accessing high-frequency measurement data of the at least one pitch bearing; estimating, via a torque balance model implemented by a controller, a frictional torque of the at least one pitch bearing based, at least in part, on the high-frequency measurement data; estimating, via the controller, a friction coefficient signal of the at least one pitch bearing based, at least in part, on the frictional torque; comparing the friction coefficient signal with a friction threshold; determining whether the friction coefficient signal deviates from the friction threshold based, at least in part, on the comparison; and, if so, acting.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for responding to a friction coefficient signal of a pitch bearing of a pitch drive mechanism of a wind turbine and/or for controlling the pitch drive mechanism(s) and/or a bank of ultracapacitors. The method and system include: accessing high-frequency measurement data of the at least one pitch bearing; estimating, via a torque balance model implemented by a controller, a frictional torque of the at least one pitch bearing based, at least in part, on the high-frequency measurement data; estimating, via the controller, a friction coefficient signal of the at least one pitch bearing based, at least in part, on the frictional torque; comparing the friction coefficient signal with a friction threshold; determining whether the friction coefficient signal deviates from the friction threshold based, at least in part, on the comparison; and, if so, acting.

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit at a pump speed. The controller includes a processor configured to operate a pump piston of the rod pumping unit at a first speed. The processor is further configured to determine a pump fillage level for a pump stroke based on a position signal and a load signal. The processor is further configured to reduce the pump speed to a second speed based on the pump fillage level for the pump stroke.

Abstract: A controller for operating a prime mover of a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the prime mover over a first stroke and a second stroke. The controller is further configured to compute a first motor torque imbalance value for the first stroke and engage adjustment of a counter-balance. The controller is further configured to estimate a second motor torque imbalance value for the second stroke. The controller is further configured to disengage adjustment of the counter-balance during the second stroke upon the second motor torque imbalance value reaching a first imbalance range.

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit at a pump speed. The controller includes a processor configured to operate a pump piston of the rod pumping unit at a first speed. The processor is further configured to determine a pump fillage level for a pump stroke based on a position signal and a load signal. The processor is further configured to reduce the pump speed to a second speed based on the pump fillage level for the pump stroke.

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the rod pumping unit at a pumping profile speed. The processor is further configured to compute a first downhole dynamometer card from surface measurements at the rod pumping unit. The processor is further configured to compute a second downhole dynamometer card from the surface measurements. The processor is further configured to validate at least one of the first downhole dynamometer card and the second downhole dynamometer card based on a rod pumping unit condition.

Abstract: A controller for operating a prime mover of a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the prime mover over a first stroke and a second stroke. The controller is further configured to compute a first motor torque imbalance value for the first stroke and engage adjustment of a counter-balance. The controller is further configured to estimate a second motor torque imbalance value for the second stroke. The controller is further configured to disengage adjustment of the counter-balance during the second stroke upon the second motor torque imbalance value reaching a first imbalance range.

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit at a pump speed. The controller includes a processor configured to operate a pump piston of the rod pumping unit at a first speed. The processor is further configured to determine a pump fillage level for a pump stroke based on a position signal and a load signal. The processor is further configured to reduce the pump speed to a second speed based on the pump fillage level for the pump stroke.

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit includes a processor configured to operate the rod pumping unit at a pumping profile speed. The processor is further configured to compute a first downhole dynamometer card from surface measurements at the rod pumping unit. The processor is further configured to compute a second downhole dynamometer card from the surface measurements. The processor is further configured to validate at least one of the first downhole dynamometer card and the second downhole dynamometer card based on a rod pumping unit condition.

Abstract: A controller for operating a rod pumping unit at a pump speed. The controller includes a processor configured to operate a pump piston of the rod pumping unit at a first speed. The processor is further configured to determine a pump fillage level for a pump stroke based on a position signal and a load signal. The processor is further configured to reduce the pump speed to a second speed based on the pump fillage level for the pump stroke.