Methods and apparatus for evaluating sensors and/or for controlling operation of an apparatus that includes a sensor

A method for controlling a first apparatus of a group of a plurality of apparatus, said method comprising:

• receiving a first measurement signal from a first sensor configured to measure a parameter relating to a first apparatus of the plurality of apparatus, the plurality of apparatus including a plurality of wind turbines grouped together into a wind farm;
• receiving a second measurement signal from a second sensor configured to measure the parameter as the parameter relates to a second apparatus of the plurality of apparatus;
• comparing the first measurement signal with the second measurement signal;
• determining at least one of whether the first measurement signal is inaccurate and the first sensor has failed based, at least in part, on the comparison between the first and second measurement signals;
• and
• controlling operation of the first apparatus based, at least in part, on at least one of the second measurement signal, information relating to ambient conditions adjacent any of the plurality of apparatus, and a third measurement signal received from a third sensor configured to measure the parameter as the parameter relates to a third apparatus of the plurality of apparatus.

A wind farm comprising:

• a plurality of wind turbines;
• a first sensor configured to measure a parameter relating to a first wind turbine of said plurality of wind turbines;
• a second sensor configured to measure the parameter as the parameter relates to a second wind turbine of said plurality of wind turbines;
• and
• a processor coupled to said first and second sensors, said processor configured to:
• receive a first measurement signal from said first sensor, wherein said first measurement signal is representative of the parameter as the parameter relates to said first wind turbine;
• receive a second measurement signal from said second sensor, wherein said second measurement signal is representative of the parameter as the parameter relates to said second wind turbine;
• comparing said first measurement signal with said second measurement signal;
• determine at least one of whether the first measurement signal is inaccurate and said first sensor has failed based, at least in part, on the comparison between said first and second measurement signals;
• and
• control operation of said first wind turbine based, at least in part, on at least one of said second measurement signal, information relating to ambient conditions adjacent any of said plurality of wind turbines, and a third measurement signal received from a third sensor configured to measure the parameter as the parameter relates to a third wind turbine of said plurality of wind turbines.