Patent Description:
Wind power is considered one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly energy sources presently available, and wind turbines have gained increased attention in this regard. A modern wind turbine typically includes a tower, a generator, a gearbox, a nacelle, and a rotor. The rotor typically includes a rotatable hub having one or more rotor blades attached thereto. A pitch bearing is typically configured operably between the hub and the rotor blade to allow for rotation about a pitch axis. The rotor blades capture kinetic energy of wind using known airfoil principles. The rotor blades transmit the kinetic energy in the form of rotational energy so as to turn a shaft coupling the rotor blades to a gearbox, or if a gearbox is not used, directly to the generator. The generator then converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy that may be deployed to a utility grid.

Changes in atmospheric conditions, for example, wind speed, wind turbulence, wind gusts, wind direction, and density may significantly influence power produced by the generator. A power output of the generator increases with wind speed until the wind speed reaches a rated wind speed for the turbine. At and above the rated wind speed, the generator operates at a rated power. The rated power is an output power at which the generator can operate with a level of fatigue or extreme load to turbine components that is predetermined to be acceptable. At wind speeds higher than a certain speed, typically referred to as a trip limit, the wind turbine may implement a control action, such as shutting down or de-rating the wind turbine in order to protect wind turbine components from damage. In addition, there may be certain wind speeds and/or operational set points (such as generator speed or power) that lead to a corrective action (such as a pitch control action) below rated power.

In certain control systems, such as the system described in <CIT> entitled "System and Method for Preventing Excessive Loading on a Wind Turbine" which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, a wind condition is estimated using wind turbine operating data, a series of equations, and one or more aerodynamic performance maps. The aerodynamic performance map(s) are dimensional or non-dimensional tables or graphs that describe rotor loading and performance (e.g. power, thrust, torque, bending moment, or similar) under given conditions (e.g. density, wind speed, rotor speed, pitch angles, or similar). As such, the aerodynamic performance map(s) may include: power coefficient, thrust coefficient, torque coefficient, and/or partial derivatives with respect to pitch angle, rotor speed, or tip speed ratio. Alternatively, the aerodynamic performance maps can be dimensional power, thrust, and/or torque values instead of coefficients. Once the desired coefficients are known, the controller can control the wind turbine based thereon.

The aerodynamic performance map(s) mentioned above are static and are typically determined during a design stage of the wind turbine. Therefore, the aerodynamic performance map(s) are not dependent upon changing wind conditions that may be present during operation of the wind turbine, such as wind speed, turbulence intensity, wind shear, or sudden wind gusts. <CIT> describes a control of wind turbines in response to wind shear; <CIT> and <CIT> describe a control method for a wind turbine; <CIT> describes system and method for thrust-speed control of a wind turbine.

Accordingly, a system and method for controlling a wind turbine that included adjustment factors for the aerodynamic performance maps to account for wind shear, turbulence intensity, and/or blade aerodynamic shape would be desired in the art.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for controlling a wind turbine according to claim <NUM>. The method includes controlling the wind turbine based on at least one first aerodynamic performance map. The method also includes monitoring an actual wind parameter of the wind turbine using one or more sensors. Further, the method includes determining an adjustment factor for the first aerodynamic performance map based at least in part on the measured actual wind parameter. Moreover, the method includes applying the adjustment factor to the first aerodynamic performance map to obtain an adjusted aerodynamic performance map. Thus, the method also includes controlling the wind turbine based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map.

In one embodiment, the actual wind parameter includes a wind gust, a wind speed, a wind direction, a wind acceleration, a wind turbulence, a wind shear, a wind veer, a wake interference, or any other wind parameter. Thus, in one embodiment, the method may further include determining the adjustment factor for the first aerodynamic performance map based at least in part on the wind shear so as to account for variations in wind speeds near the wind turbine.

In another embodiment, the step of determining the adjustment factor for the first aerodynamic performance map may include utilizing one or more look-up tables, one or more equations, or a simulation model.

According to the invention, the step of applying the adjustment factor to the first aerodynamic performance map to obtain the adjusted aerodynamic performance map may include multiplying the adjustment factor to at least one of a power coefficient or thrust coefficient obtained from the first aerodynamic performance map.

In several embodiments, the method may include providing operating data indicative of current wind turbine operation to the processor. In such embodiments, the operating data may include, for example, rotor speed, generator speed, pitch angle, power output, drivetrain torque, air density, ambient temperature, and/or atmospheric pressure. Thus, in one embodiment, the method may further include determining the adjustment factor for the first aerodynamic performance map based at least in part on the rotor speed so as to account for at least one of twist or deflection of one or more rotor blades of the wind turbine.

In additional embodiments, the step of determining the adjustment factor for the first aerodynamic performance map based at least in part on the rotor speed may include inputting the rotor speed into the processor containing a plurality of aerodynamic performance maps corresponding to a plurality of rotor speeds, selecting one of the plurality of aerodynamic performance maps that corresponds to the rotor speed, and extracting the adjustment factor from the selected aerodynamic performance map.

In particular embodiments, the step of controlling the wind turbine based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map may include implementing a control action. Such control actions may include, for example, altering the pitch angle of a rotor blade, modifying a generator torque, modifying the generator speed, modifying the power output, yawing a nacelle of the wind turbine, braking one or more wind turbine components, activating an airflow modifying element on a rotor blade, or any other suitable control action or combinations thereof.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system for controlling a wind turbine according to claim <NUM>. The system includes one or more sensors configured to monitor operating data indicative of current wind turbine operation and a wind turbine controller having at least one processor communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to perform one or more operations, including but not limited to controlling the wind turbine based on at least one first aerodynamic performance map, determining an adjustment factor for the first aerodynamic performance map based at least in part on the measured actual wind parameter, applying the adjustment factor to the first aerodynamic performance map to obtain an adjusted aerodynamic performance map, and controlling the wind turbine based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map. It should be understood that the system may further include any of the additional features and/or steps as described herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Generally, the present subject matter is directed to an adjustment factor for an aerodynamic performance map used in wind turbine control systems and methods of determining same. Aerodynamic performance maps are generally static shapes for uniform inflow conditions. However, in actual wind turbine operation, rotor blade shape and inflow wind conditions are known to vary from the original design conditions that assume idealized conditions. To account for such variations, the present disclosure includes an adjustment factor that can be used to modify the utilization of the aerodynamic performance map(s) within the wind turbine control system. More specifically, the adjustment factors described herein are configured to account for wind shear (or atmospheric boundary layer profile shapes), turbulence intensity, and/or blade aeroelastic shape (e.g. deflection and twist).

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates a wind turbine <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the wind turbine <NUM> comprises a rotor <NUM> having a plurality of rotor blades <NUM> mounted on a hub <NUM>. The wind turbine <NUM> also comprises a nacelle <NUM> that is mounted atop a tower <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is operatively coupled to an electrical generator <NUM> (<FIG>) housed within the nacelle <NUM>. The tower <NUM> exposes the rotor blades <NUM> to the wind (directionally represented by arrow <NUM>), which causes the rotor blades <NUM> to rotate about an axis <NUM>. As such, the rotor blades <NUM> transform the kinetic energy of the wind into a rotational torque, which is further transformed into electrical energy via the electrical generator <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a simplified, internal view of one embodiment of the nacelle <NUM> of the wind turbine <NUM> shown in <FIG> is illustrated. As shown, the generator <NUM> may be disposed within the nacelle <NUM>. In general, the generator <NUM> may be coupled to the rotor <NUM> for producing electrical power from the rotational energy generated by the rotor <NUM>. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor <NUM> may include a rotor shaft <NUM> coupled to the hub <NUM> for rotation therewith. The rotor shaft <NUM> may, in turn, be rotatably coupled to a generator shaft <NUM> of the generator <NUM> through a gearbox <NUM>. As is generally understood, the rotor shaft <NUM> may provide a low speed, high torque input to the gearbox <NUM> in response to rotation of the rotor blades <NUM> and the hub <NUM>. The gearbox <NUM> may then be configured to convert the low speed, high torque input to a high speed, low torque output to drive the generator shaft <NUM> and, thus, the generator <NUM>.

The wind turbine <NUM> may also include a controller <NUM> centralized within the nacelle <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> may be located within any other component of the wind turbine <NUM> or at a location outside the wind turbine <NUM>. Further, the controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to any number of the components of the wind turbine <NUM> in order to control the operation of such components and/or implement various correction actions as described herein. As such, the controller <NUM> may include a computer or other suitable processing unit. Thus, in several embodiments, the controller <NUM> may include suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented, configure the controller <NUM> to perform various different functions, such as receiving, transmitting and/or executing wind turbine control signals. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> may generally be configured to control the various operating modes (e.g., start-up or shut-down sequences), de-rate the wind turbine, and/or control various components of the wind turbine <NUM> as will be discussed in more detail below.

Still referring to <FIG>, each rotor blade <NUM> may also include a pitch adjustment mechanism <NUM> configured to rotate each rotor blade <NUM> about its pitch axis <NUM>. Further, each pitch adjustment mechanism <NUM> may include a pitch drive motor <NUM> (e.g., any suitable electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor), a pitch drive gearbox <NUM>, and a pitch drive pinion <NUM>. In such embodiments, the pitch drive motor <NUM> may be coupled to the pitch drive gearbox <NUM> so that the pitch drive motor <NUM> imparts mechanical force to the pitch drive gearbox <NUM>. Similarly, the pitch drive gearbox <NUM> may be coupled to the pitch drive pinion <NUM> for rotation therewith. The pitch drive pinion <NUM> may, in turn, be in rotational engagement with a pitch bearing <NUM> coupled between the hub <NUM> and a corresponding rotor blade <NUM> such that rotation of the pitch drive pinion <NUM> causes rotation of the pitch bearing <NUM>. Thus, in such embodiments, rotation of the pitch drive motor <NUM> drives the pitch drive gearbox <NUM> and the pitch drive pinion <NUM>, thereby rotating the pitch bearing <NUM> and the rotor blade <NUM> about the pitch axis <NUM>. Similarly, the wind turbine <NUM> may include one or more yaw drive mechanisms <NUM> communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM>, with each yaw drive mechanism(s) <NUM> being configured to change the angle of the nacelle <NUM> relative to the wind (e.g., by engaging a yaw bearing <NUM> of the wind turbine <NUM>).

Referring generally to <FIG>, the wind turbine <NUM> may include one or more sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for measuring various wind parameters of the wind turbine <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, sensor <NUM> is located on the hub <NUM> so as to measure an actual wind parameter upwind from the wind turbine <NUM>. The actual wind parameter may be any of the following: a wind gust, a wind speed, a wind direction, a wind acceleration, a wind turbulence, a wind shear, a wind veer, a wake interference, or similar. Further, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include at least one LIDAR sensor for measuring upwind parameters. For example, as shown in <FIG>, LIDAR sensor <NUM> is a measurement radar configured to scan an annular region around the wind turbine <NUM> and measure wind speed based upon reflection and/or scattering of light transmitted by the LIDAR sensor from aerosol. The cone angle (θ) and the range (R) of the LIDAR sensor <NUM> may be suitably selected to provide a desired accuracy of measurement as well as an acceptable sensitivity.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is located on the hub <NUM> whereupon the rotor blades <NUM> are mounted. In further embodiments, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also be located near the base of the wind turbine tower <NUM>, on one or more of the rotor blades <NUM>, on the nacelle <NUM>, on a meteorological mast of the wind turbine <NUM>, or at any other suitable location. In still further embodiments, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be located in any suitable location on or near the wind turbine <NUM>. Further, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to measure a wind parameter ahead of at least one specific portion, typically the most significant sections of the rotor blades <NUM> in terms of contributions of those sections to aerodynamic torque on the rotor blades <NUM>, e.g. sections close to the tips of the rotor blades <NUM>. The points ahead of the rotor blades <NUM> at which wind speed is measured by the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is represented by plane <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

In alternative embodiments, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be any other suitable sensors capable of measuring wind parameters upwind of the wind turbine <NUM>. For example, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be accelerometers, pressure sensors, angle of attack sensors, vibration sensors, MIMU sensors, camera systems, fiber optic systems, anemometers, wind vanes, Sonic Detection and Ranging (SODAR) sensors, infra lasers, radiometers, pitot tubes, rawinsondes, other optical sensors, and/or any other suitable sensors. It should be appreciated that, as used herein, the term "monitor" and variations thereof indicates that the various sensors of the wind turbine may be configured to provide a direct measurement of the parameters being monitored or an indirect measurement of such parameters. Thus, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may, for example, be used to generate signals relating to the parameter being monitored, which can then be utilized by the controller <NUM> to determine the actual condition.

Referring specifically to <FIG>, there is illustrated a block diagram of one embodiment of the controller <NUM> according to the present disclosure. As shown, the controller <NUM> may include one or more processor(s) <NUM>, a wind turbine condition estimator <NUM>, and associated memory device(s) <NUM> configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, calculations and the like and storing relevant data as disclosed herein). Additionally, the controller <NUM> may also include a communications module <NUM> to facilitate communications between the controller <NUM> and the various components of the wind turbine <NUM>. Further, the communications module <NUM> may include a sensor interface <NUM> (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to permit signals transmitted from the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to be converted into signals that can be understood and processed by the processors <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the communications module <NUM> using any suitable means. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to the sensor interface <NUM> via a wired connection. However, in other embodiments, the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to the sensor interface <NUM> via a wireless connection, such as by using any suitable wireless communications protocol known in the art. As such, the processor <NUM> may be configured to receive one or more signals from the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The wind turbine condition estimator <NUM> may be considered software that utilizes operating data to calculate, in real-time, various wind turbine conditions. Further, the wind turbine condition estimator <NUM> may comprise firmware that includes the software, which may be executed by the processor(s) <NUM>. Further, the wind turbine condition estimator <NUM> may be in communication the various sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and devices of the wind turbine <NUM>, which may provide the operating data to the wind turbine condition estimator <NUM>.

As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s) <NUM> may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) <NUM> may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s) <NUM>, configure the controller <NUM> to perform various functions including, but not limited to, estimating one or more wind conditions of the wind turbine <NUM> based on the operating data, transmitting suitable control signals to implement control actions in response to the detection of transient wind conditions, and/or various other suitable computer-implemented functions.

Referring now to <FIG>, a flow diagram of a method <NUM> for controlling the wind turbine <NUM> according to the present disclosure is illustrated. For example, as shown at <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes controlling the wind turbine <NUM> based on at least one first aerodynamic performance map. The aerodynamic performance map(s) described herein generally refer to dimensional or non-dimensional tables or graphs that describe rotor loading and performance (e.g. power, thrust, torque, or bending moment, or similar) under given conditions (e.g. density, wind speed, rotor speed, pitch angles, or similar). As such, the aerodynamic performance map(s) may include: power coefficient, thrust coefficient, torque coefficient, and/or partial derivatives with respect to pitch angle, rotor speed, or tip speed ratio (TSR). Alternatively, the aerodynamic performance map(s) can be dimensional power, thrust, and/or torque values instead of coefficients. Referring particularly to <FIG>, one embodiment of an aerodynamic performance map <NUM> is illustrated. For example, as shown, the aerodynamic performance map <NUM> is a graph of pitch angle versus TSR that provides a corresponding power coefficient Cp.

Referring back to <FIG>, as shown at <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes monitoring an actual wind parameter or operating data of the wind turbine <NUM> using one or more of the sensor(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, as mentioned, the wind parameters may include a wind gust, a wind speed, a wind direction, a wind acceleration, a wind turbulence, a wind shear, a wind veer, a wake interference, or similar. Further, in one embodiment, the operating data may include, for example, rotor speed, generator speed, pitch angle, power output, drivetrain torque, air density, ambient temperature, and/or atmospheric pressure, tip speed ratio, or other similar operating condition of the wind turbine <NUM>.

As shown at <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes determining, e.g. via the processor(s) <NUM>, an adjustment factor for the first aerodynamic performance map <NUM> based, at least in part, on the measured actual wind parameter and/or the operating data. For example, in one embodiment, the processor(s) <NUM> may be configured to utilize one or more look-up tables, one or more equations, or a simulation model to determine the adjustment factors described herein. More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, where the measured actual wind parameter corresponds to the wind shear, the processor(s) <NUM> is configured to determine the adjustment factor for the first aerodynamic performance map <NUM> based, at least in part, on the wind shear so as to account for variations in wind speeds near the wind turbine <NUM>. For example, as shown, <FIG> illustrates a wind shear estimator graph <NUM> of quadratic wind shear for a first turbine measured parameter (i.e. curvature term a') versus quadratic wind shear for a second turbine measured parameter (i.e. linear term b'). More specifically, one possibility for describing the wind speed profile with increasing altitude is a quadratic formula (e.g. ax<NUM> + bx + c = <NUM>) with two parameters (a' and b'). The wind speed is zero at the ground (i.e. at zero altitude) and two parameters are sufficient as the third parameter in the polynomial is equal to <NUM> - ax<NUM>+bx+<NUM>. With the knowledge of the wind speed profile, the processor(s) <NUM> can compare the power in the wind over the rotor swept area and compare this value to the power for a wind speed that is constant at the average of the given wind speed profile. Thus, the adjustment factor, FSHEAR (e.g. which ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> on the illustrated graph), can be read directly from the graph <NUM>.

In an example useful to understand the invention, the processor(s) <NUM> is configured to determine the adjustment factor for the aerodynamic performance map <NUM> based, at least in part, on the rotor speed of the wind turbine <NUM> so as to account for twist and/or deflection of one or more of the rotor blades <NUM> of the wind turbine <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the processor(s) <NUM> may be configured to receive the rotor speed <NUM> as an input and optionally store the rotor speed <NUM> in the memory device(s) <NUM>. More specifically, in such examples useful to understand the invention, the memory device(s) <NUM> may include a multidimensional table having <NUM> a plurality of aerodynamic performance maps <NUM> corresponding to a plurality of different rotor speeds <NUM> stored therein. In other words, for each possible rotor speed there is a separate chart of the adjustment factor, which uses pitch and TSR as values. Thus, as shown, the processor(s) <NUM> is configured to select one of the aerodynamic performance maps from the plurality of aerodynamic performance maps <NUM> that corresponds to the input rotor speed <NUM>. In addition, the processor(s) <NUM> is configured to interpolate between adjacent fixed rotor speed charts. Accordingly, the processor(s) <NUM> can then determine a current pitch angle and TSR and extract the adjustment factor, i.e. FTWIST <NUM>, from the selected aerodynamic performance map. In alternative embodiments, the adjustment factor may be determined based on a single dimensional table as well as one or more equations.

As shown at <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes applying the adjustment factor to the aerodynamic performance map <NUM> to obtain an adjusted aerodynamic performance map <NUM>. For example, as shown in illustrated example embedimentof <FIG> useful to understand the invention, as the rotor speed increase, the aerodynamic performance map(s) change. In further embodiments, the step of applying the adjustment factor to the first aerodynamic performance map <NUM> to obtain the adjusted aerodynamic performance map may include multiplying the adjustment factor to at least one of a power coefficient or thrust coefficient obtained from the aerodynamic performance map.

For example, where the adjustment factor is based on wind shear as explained in reference to <FIG>, the adjustment factor, FSHEAR can be used to adjust the first aerodynamic performance map, e.g. via Equations (<NUM>) and (<NUM>) below: <MAT> <MAT> Where Cp is the adjusted power coefficient,.

In still additional embodiments, the shear adjustment factor FSHEAR and the twist adjustment factor FTWIST may both be used to adjust the first aerodynamic performance maps, e.g. using Equations (<NUM>) and (<NUM>) below: <MAT> <MAT> Where Cp is the adjusted power coefficient,.

Referring back to <FIG>, as shown at <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes controlling the wind turbine <NUM> based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map(s). For example, in one embodiment, the wind turbine condition estimator <NUM> may implement a control algorithm having a series of equations to determine an estimated wind turbine condition as a function of the pitch angle, the generator speed, the power output, and the air density. Further, the equations may be solved using the operating data and the updated aerodynamic performance maps. Such control methodology provides accurate wind turbine control that maximizes power output and reduces excessive wind turbine loading. In alternative embodiments, the method <NUM> can also be used to increase performance. In such embodiments, the loads may increase.

In particular embodiments, the step of controlling the wind turbine based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map may include implementing a control action. The control action(s) as described herein may be any suitable control action so as to reduce loads acting on the wind turbine <NUM>. For example, in several embodiments, the control action may include temporarily de-rating or up-rating the wind turbine to permit the loads acting on one or more of the wind turbine components to be reduced or otherwise controlled. Up-rating the wind turbine, such as by up-rating torque, may temporarily slow down the wind turbine and act as a brake to help reduce loads. De-rating the wind turbine may include speed de-rating, torque de-rating or a combination of both. Further, the wind turbine may be de-rated by reducing speed and increasing torque, which can be beneficial so as to maintain power. In another embodiment, the wind turbine <NUM> may be de-rated by pitching one or more of the rotor blades <NUM> about its pitch axis <NUM>. More specifically, the controller <NUM> may generally control each pitch adjustment mechanism <NUM> in order to alter the pitch angle of each rotor blade <NUM> between -<NUM> degrees (i.e., a power position of the rotor blade <NUM>) and <NUM> degrees (i.e., a feathered position of the rotor blade <NUM>). In still another embodiment, the wind turbine <NUM> may be temporarily de-rated by modifying the torque demand on the generator <NUM>. In general, the torque demand may be modified using any suitable method, process, structure and/or means known in the art. For instance, in one embodiment, the torque demand on the generator <NUM> may be controlled using the controller <NUM> by transmitting a suitable control signal/command to the generator <NUM> in order to modulate the magnetic flux produced within the generator <NUM>.

The wind turbine <NUM> may also be temporarily de-rated by yawing the nacelle <NUM> to change the angle of the nacelle <NUM> relative to the direction of the wind. In other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to actuate one or more mechanical brake(s) or activate an airflow modifying element on a rotor blade in order to reduce the rotational speed and/or load of the rotor blades <NUM>, thereby reducing component loading. In still further embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to perform any appropriate control action known in the art. Further, the controller <NUM> may implement a combination of two or more control actions.

It should also be appreciated that an advantage of the present invention is that the system and method may be implemented using existing components of the wind turbine <NUM>. As such, a user is not required to purchase, install, and maintain new equipment. Further, the controller <NUM> may be integrated with a broader control system, such as, but not limiting of, a wind turbine control system, a plant control system, a remote monitoring system, or combinations thereof.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) for controlling a wind turbine (<NUM>), the method (<NUM>) comprising:
controlling, via a processor (<NUM>), the wind turbine (<NUM>) based on at least one first aerodynamic performance map (<NUM>) embodied as a dimensional or non-dimensional table or graph that describe rotor loading and performance under given conditions comprising at least one of density, wind speed, rotor speed, or pitch angle;
monitoring an actual wind parameter of the wind turbine (<NUM>) using one or more sensors;
determining, via the processor (<NUM>), an adjustment factor (<NUM>) for the aerodynamic performance map based at least in part on the measured actual wind parameter;
applying the adjustment factor (<NUM>) to the first aerodynamic performance map (<NUM>) to obtain an adjusted aerodynamic performance map (<NUM>) comprising multiplying the adjustment factor (<NUM>) by at least one of a power coefficient or thrust coefficient obtained from the first aerodynamic performance map (<NUM>); and,
controlling the wind turbine (<NUM>) based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map (<NUM>).