Abstract: A yaw auto-calibration method configured to calibrate at least one anemometer of a yaw control system to correct for yaw misalignment. The yaw auto-calibration method includes collecting wind turbine data over a plurality of time periods with respect to the at least one anemometer. The wind turbine data including one or more of mechanical speed, wind speed, turbine power, and wind direction. The method includes determining from the collected data a wind direction compensation signal associated with a plurality of operational parameter ranges and the wind direction compensation signals correspond to the effects on the at least one anemometer due to yaw misalignment. The method further includes providing the wind compensation signals to the yaw control system to adjust the wind direction data of the at least one anemometer for each of the associated operational parameter ranges.

Abstract: A yaw auto-calibration method configured to calibrate an anemometer of a yaw control system to correct for yaw misalignment, includes collecting wind speed and wind direction data from the anemometer over a plurality of time periods. The method includes determining from the collected data a wind direction compensation signal associated with a plurality of wind speed ranges. The step of determining a wind direction compensation signal includes determining from a plotted performance value, a maximum performance value for each wind speed range and the step of determining further includes correlating the maximum performance value for each wind speed range with the associated average generator speed and plotting the maximum performance wind direction against average generator speed for each wind speed range. The maximum performance wind direction associated with the average generator speed for each wind speed range constitutes the wind direction compensation signal for the wind speed range.

Abstract: A yaw auto-calibration method configured to calibrate at least one anemometer of a yaw control system to correct for yaw misalignment. The yaw auto-calibration method includes collecting wind turbine data over a plurality of time periods with respect to the at least one anemometer. The wind turbine data including one or more of mechanical speed, wind speed, turbine power, and wind direction. The method includes determining from the collected data a wind direction compensation signal associated with a plurality of operational parameter ranges and the wind direction compensation signals correspond to the effects on the at least one anemometer due to yaw misalignment. The method further includes providing the wind compensation signals to the yaw control system to adjust the wind direction data of the at least one anemometer for each of the associated operational parameter ranges.

Abstract: A yaw auto-calibration method configured to calibrate an anemometer of a yaw control system to correct for yaw misalignment, includes collecting wind speed and wind direction data from the anemometer over a plurality of time periods. The method includes determining from the collected data a wind direction compensation signal associated with a plurality of wind speed ranges. The step of determining a wind direction compensation signal includes determining from a plotted performance value, a maximum performance value for each wind speed range and the step of determining further includes correlating the maximum performance value for each wind speed range with the associated average generator speed and plotting the maximum performance wind direction against average generator speed for each wind speed range. The maximum performance wind direction associated with the average generator speed for each wind speed range constitutes the wind direction compensation signal for the wind speed range.

Abstract: Some general aspects of the invention provide a method for operating a wind energy converter having a variable-ratio gear system mechanically coupled between a rotor and a generator, wherein the variable-ratio gear system includes a first hydraulic unit coupled to a first shaft and a second hydraulic unit coupled to a second shaft. The method comprises adjusting the variable-ratio gear system to a first gear ratio at which the first shaft substantially does not rotate; determining a wind speed or a related parameter (n, P, p); detecting whether the wind speed or the related parameter (n, P, p) has crossed a first threshold value in a first direction; and adjusting the variable-ratio gear system, when the wind speed or the related parameter (n, P, p) has crossed the first threshold value in the first direction, to a second gear ratio at which the second shaft substantially does not rotate.

Abstract: A wind energy converter configured for transmitting power to an electric grid includes a variable ratio gear system mechanically coupled between a rotor and a generator. A control system is configured to mechanically control a rotational speed of the generator so that, during a low voltage event, the wind energy converter can continue to operate and supply power to the grid.

Abstract: Some general aspects of the invention provide a method for operating a wind energy converter having a variable-ratio gear system (906, 172-178) mechanically coupled between a rotor (102) and a generator (104), wherein the variable-ratio gear system (906, 172-178) includes a first transmission unit (174) coupled to a first shaft (168) and a second transmission unit (172) coupled to a second shaft (165).

Abstract: A variable ratio gear system is configured for use with a constant speed generator being driven by a variable speed rotor. The variable ratio system includes three shafts: The first shaft is mechanically coupled to the rotor; the second shaft is mechanically coupled to a variable gear system; and the third shaft is mechanically coupled to the generator and the variable gear system. A control system is configured to adjust the output of the variable gear system to control the rotational speed of the generator. A brake is configured to control the rotation of the second shaft.

Abstract: A variable ratio gear system is configured for use with a constant speed generator (104) being driven by a variable speed rotor (102). The variable ratio system includes three shafts: The first shaft (144) is mechanically coupled to the rotor (102); the second shaft (160) is mechanically coupled to a variable gear system; and the third shaft (158) is mechanically coupled to the generator (104) and the variable gear system. A control system (109) is configured to adjust the output of the variable gear system to control the rotational speed of the generator (104). A brake (188) is configured to control the rotation of the second shaft (160).

Abstract: A wind energy converter configured for transmitting power to an electric grid includes a variable ratio gear system mechanically coupled between a rotor and a generator. A control system is configured to mechanically control a rotational speed of the generator so that, during a low voltage event, the wind energy converter can continue to operate and supply power to the grid.