Determining loads on a wind turbine

Abstract

A method for controlling wind turbine farm level loads by control strategy through site-specific topology effects. The method involves the steps of: providing wind velocity data from wind sensors mounted on the wind turbines, the velocity data comprising wind speed and wind direction; providing wind velocity data from one or more reference sensors, the velocity data comprising wind speed and wind direction; binning the wind data according to wind speed and wind direction; identifying wind turbines in which the velocity data deviates from the reference; and calculating modified loads acting on the wind turbines where the velocity data deviates from the reference; whereby the control strategy and/or maintenance activities are revised. A method for extending (or reducing) life of a wind turbine, altering performance (increased Annual Energy Production, AEP) (operational), or reducing cost through structural material reduction (design) is further disclosed. The approach can be used for scheduling maintenance for wind turbines in a wind farm.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.