SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING BATTERY
FAULTS IN A PITCH SYSTEM OF A WIND TURBINE
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wind turbines, and more
particularly to systems and methods for detecting battery faults in a pitch system of a
wind turbine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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 including one or more rotor blades. The
rotor blades capture kinetic energy from wind using known foil principles and
transmit the kinetic energy through rotational energy 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.
[0003] During operation, the direction of the wind which powers the wind turbine
may change. The wind turbine may thus adjust the nacelle through, for example, a
yaw adjustment about a longitudinal axis of the tower to maintain alignment with the
wind direction. In addition, the wind turbine may adjust a pitch angle of one or more
of the rotor blades via a pitch drive mechanism configured with a pitch bearing to
change the angle of the blades with respect to the wind.
[0004] Typical pitch drive mechanisms include pitch drive motor, a pitch drive
gearbox, and a pitch drive pinion. In such configurations, the pitch drive motor is
coupled to the pitch drive gearbox so that the pitch drive motor imparts mechanical
force to the pitch drive gearbox. Similarly, the pitch drive gearbox may be coupled to
the pitch drive pinion for rotation therewith. The pitch drive pinion may, in turn, be
in rotational engagement with the pitch bearing coupled between the hub and a
corresponding rotor blade such that rotation of the pitch drive pinion causes rotation
of the pitch bearing. Thus, in such embodiments, rotation of the pitch drive motor
drives the pitch drive gearbox and the pitch drive pinion, thereby rotating the pitch
bearing and the rotor blade about the pitch axis.
[0005] During normal operation, the pitch drive motors are driven by the power
grid. However, in some instances, such as during an adverse grid event, the pitch
drive motors may be driven by one or more backup batteries. If pitching of the blades
relies on such batteries (i.e. due to a grid loss), it is important to ensure that the
batteries are capable of operating when needed. Overtime, however, the motor
batteries of the pitch drive mechanisms lose their charge and eventually die. Thus, if
such batteries die without notice, the rotor blade associated with the dead batteries
may become stuck since there is no power available to pitch the blade. In such
instances, loads may increase on the stuck rotor blade, thereby causing damage
thereto.
[0006] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for
detecting battery faults in a pitch system of a wind turbine so as to address the
aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0007] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the
following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned
through practice of the invention.
[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a
fault in a direct current (DC) battery. The method includes receiving, via a server, a
plurality of voltage signals of the battery over at least one time period. The method
also includes storing, via a database of the server, the plurality of voltage signals of
the battery for the predetermined time period. Further, the method includes
determining, via the server, a state of the battery as a function of the plurality of
voltage signals. The method also includes implementing a corrective action for the
battery when the state of the battery is indicative of a battery fault.
[0009] In an embodiment, the voltage signals may include one or more minimum
voltage values, one or more maximum voltage values, and/or one or more standard
deviation values of the battery voltage. In another embodiment, the method may
include filtering, via at least one filter, the plurality of voltage signals of the battery.
[0010] In further embodiments, determining the state of the battery as a function
of the plurality of voltage signals may include comparing the one or more minimum
voltage values to a minimum voltage threshold of the battery and when the one or
more minimum voltage values are below the minimum voltage threshold of the
battery, identifying a voltage drop of the battery.
[0011] In additional embodiments, determining the state of the battery as a
function of the plurality of voltage signals may include, when the one or more
minimum voltage values is below the minimum voltage threshold of the battery,
determining, via a controller communicatively coupled to the server, one or more
standard deviation values of the plurality of voltage signals of the battery and
comparing the one or more standard deviation values of the plurality of voltage
signals to a predefined threshold to ensure that the voltage drop of the battery is
sustained for a predetermined time period.
[0012] In an embodiment, the method may be implemented over multiple time
periods. For example, the plurality of time periods may include 10-minute data
aggregation intervals.
[0013] In several embodiments, the method may include monitoring, via at least
one sensor, the plurality of voltage signals of the battery. In another embodiment, the
battery may be a part of a pitch system of a wind turbine.
[0014] In particular embodiments, the time period(s) may occur when the battery
is used to power a pitch motor of the pitch system.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, implementing the corrective action may
include generating an alarm signal, scheduling a maintenance action for the battery, or
replacing the battery. For example, in an embodiment, the method may include
replacing the battery when multiple battery faults are detected in the battery.
[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system for
detecting a fault in a battery of a pitch system of a wind turbine. The system includes
at least one sensor configured for monitoring a plurality of voltage signals of the
battery over at least one time period and a server communicatively coupled to the
sensor(s). The server is configured to perform a plurality of operations, including but
not limited to determining a state of the battery as a function of the plurality of
voltage signals and implementing a corrective action for the battery when the state of
the battery is indicative of a battery fault.
[0017] It should also be understood that the system may further include any of the
additional features as described herein.
[0018] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention
will become better understood with reference to the following description and
appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best
mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the
specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wind turbine according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective, internal view of a nacelle of a wind turbine
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of suitable
components that may be included in a wind turbine controller according to the present
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a pitch
system of a wind turbine according to the present disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for
detecting a fault in a direct current (DC) battery according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,
one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is
provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In
fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or
spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further
embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications
and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0026] In general, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for
detecting battery faults in a pitch system of a wind turbine. More specifically, in an
embodiment, the systems and methods of the present disclosure are configured to
leverage the combination of standard deviation of battery voltage, maximum voltage
measurements, and/or minimum voltage measurements to detect battery failure. The
systems and methods of the present disclosure may also incorporate using multiple
time samples to ensure a battery is actually failing. Determining a failing battery with
just one of these measurements aggregated in 10-minute increments, for example, can
be challenging. For example, if only the minimum voltage is used, the algorithm may
have false positives due to in-rush current (momentary drop in voltage that occurs on
all batteries). Further, if only the standard deviation is used, the algorithm may also
have false positives due to regeneration current (voltage spike in the positive
direction). Accordingly, systems and methods of the present disclosure use the
minimum voltage to determine that a battery voltage is below normal and the standard
deviation to detect that the drop was a sustained drop. Furthermore, the systems and
methods of the present disclosure may also evaluate whether multiple occurrences of
the voltage drop have occurred to give accurate failed battery detection.
[0027] Thus, the present disclosure provides many advantages, including, for
example, automated detection of failing batteries without manual checks by
maintenance personnel. As such, site managers have the ability to better plan for
wind turbine battery replacement and/or repair. Further, the systems and methods of
the present disclosure can utilize existing wind turbine data. Accordingly, the systems
and methods of the present disclosure ensure batteries are working properly when
needed in an emergency braking procedure.
[0028] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view of one
embodiment of a wind turbine 10 according to the present disclosure. As shown, the
wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12 extending from a support surface 14, a nacelle 16
mounted on the tower 12, and a rotor 18 coupled to the nacelle 16. The rotor 18
includes a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to and extending
outwardly from the hub 20. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 18
includes three rotor blades 22. However, in an alternative embodiment, the rotor 18
may include more or less than three rotor blades 22. Each rotor blade 22 may be
spaced about the hub 20 to facilitate rotating the rotor 18 to enable kinetic energy to
be transferred from the wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently,
electrical energy. For instance, the hub 20 may be rotatably coupled to an electric
generator 24 (FIG. 2) positioned within the nacelle 16 to permit electrical energy to be
produced.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, a simplified, internal view of one embodiment of
the nacelle 16 of the wind turbine 10 is illustrated. As shown, a generator 24 may be
disposed within the nacelle 16. In general, the generator 24 may be coupled to the
rotor 18 of the wind turbine 10 for generating electrical power from the rotational
energy generated by the rotor 18. For example, the rotor 18 may include a main shaft
40 coupled to the hub 20 for rotation therewith. The generator 24 may then be
coupled to the main shaft 40 such that rotation of the main shaft 40 drives the
generator 24. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the generator 24 includes a
generator shaft 42 rotatably coupled to the main shaft 40 through a gearbox 44.
However, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the generator shaft 42
may be rotatably coupled directly to the main shaft 40. Alternatively, the generator
24 may be directly rotatably coupled to the main shaft 40.
[0030] It should be appreciated that the main shaft 40 may generally be supported
within the nacelle 16 by a support frame or bedplate 46 positioned atop the wind
turbine tower 12. For example, the main shaft 40 may be supported by the bedplate
46 via a pair of pillow blocks 48, 50 mounted to the bedplate 46.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wind turbine 10 may also include a turbine
control system or a turbine controller 26 within the nacelle 16. For example, as
shown in FIG. 2, the turbine controller 26 is disposed within a control cabinet 52
mounted to a portion of the nacelle 16. However, it should be appreciated that the
turbine controller 26 may be disposed at any location on or in the wind turbine 10, at
any location on the support surface 14 or generally at any other location. The turbine
controller 26 may generally be configured to control the various operating modes
(e.g., start-up or shut-down sequences) and/or components of the wind turbine 10.
[0032] Each rotor blade 22 may also include a pitch adjustment mechanism 32
configured to rotate each rotor blade 22 about its pitch axis 34. Further, each pitch
adjustment mechanism 32 may include a pitch drive motor 33 (e.g., any suitable
electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor), a pitch drive gearbox 35, and a pitch drive
pinion 37. In such embodiments, the pitch drive motor 33 may be coupled to the pitch
drive gearbox 35 so that the pitch drive motor 33 imparts mechanical force to the
pitch drive gearbox 35. Similarly, the pitch drive gearbox 35 may be coupled to the
pitch drive pinion 37 for rotation therewith. The pitch drive pinion 37 may, in turn,
be in rotational engagement with a pitch bearing 54 coupled between the hub 20 and a
corresponding rotor blade 22 such that rotation of the pitch drive pinion 37 causes
rotation of the pitch bearing 54. Thus, in such embodiments, rotation of the pitch
drive motor 33 drives the pitch drive gearbox 35 and the pitch drive pinion 37,
thereby rotating the pitch bearing 54 and the rotor blade 22 about the pitch axis 34.
Similarly, the wind turbine 10 may include one or more yaw drive mechanisms 38
communicatively coupled to the controller 26, with each yaw drive mechanism(s) 38
being configured to change the angle of the nacelle 16 relative to the wind (e.g., by
engaging a yaw bearing 56 of the wind turbine 10).
[0033] Further, the turbine controller 26 may also be communicatively coupled to
each pitch adjustment mechanism 32 of the wind turbine 10 (one of which is shown)
through a separate or integral pitch controller 30 (FIG. 1) for controlling and/or
altering the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22 (i.e., an angle that determines a
perspective of the rotor blades 22 with respect to the direction 28 of the wind).
[0034] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more sensors 57, 58, 59 may be
provided on the wind turbine 10. More specifically, as shown, a blade sensor 57 may
be configured with one or more of the rotor blades 22 to monitor the rotor blades 22.
Further, as shown, a wind sensor 58 may be provided on the wind turbine 10. For
example, the wind sensor 58 may a wind vane, and anemometer, a LIDAR sensor, or
another suitable sensor that measures wind speed and/or direction. In addition, a pitch
sensor 59 may be configured with each of the pitch drive mechanism 32, e.g. with one
or more batteries of the pitch drive motors 33 thereof, which will be discussed in more
detail below. As such, the sensors 57, 58, 59 may further be in communication with
the controller 26, and may provide related information to the controller 26. For
example, the pitch sensor(s) 59 may correspond to temperature sensors that send
temperature signals to the controllers 26, 30 to indicate an actual temperature of the
pitch batteries, which is described in more detail herein.
[0035] It should also be appreciated that, as used herein, the term “monitor” and
variations thereof indicates that the various sensors of the wind turbine 10 may be
configured to provide a direct measurement of the parameters being monitored and/or
an indirect measurement of such parameters. Thus, the sensors described herein may,
for example, be used to generate signals relating to the parameter being monitored,
which can then be utilized by the controller 26 to determine the condition.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a block diagram of one
embodiment of suitable components that may be included within a controller
according to the present disclosure. As used herein, the present disclosure may be
implemented with a controller (such as the turbine controller 26 or the pitch controller
30) or with a separate analytics server 76 (FIG. 4) that is communicatively coupled to
a controller. As described herein, the analytics server 76 generally encompasses any
suitable computer program or device that provides functionalities for other programs
or devices. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the analytics server 76 may also include
at least one database 78 for executing the various functionalities.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 26 (or pitch controller 30) may include
one or more processor(s) 60 and associated memory device(s) 62 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 26 may also include a communications module 64 to
facilitate communications between the controller 26 and the various components of
the wind turbine 10. Further, the communications module 64 may include a sensor
interface 66 (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to permit signals
transmitted from one or more sensors 57, 58, 59 to be converted into signals that can
be understood and processed by the processors 60. It should be appreciated that the
sensors 57, 58, 59 may be communicatively coupled to the communications module
64 using any suitable means. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the sensors 57, 58, 59
are coupled to the sensor interface 66 via a wired connection. However, in other
embodiments, the sensors 57, 58, 59 may be coupled to the sensor interface 66 via a
wireless connection, such as by using any suitable wireless communications protocol
known in the art.
[0038] 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) 62 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)
62 may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that,
when implemented by the processor(s) 60, configure the controller 26 to perform
various functions including, but not limited to, transmitting suitable control signals to
implement corrective action(s) in response to a distance signal exceeding a
predetermined threshold as described herein, as well as various other suitable
computer-implemented functions.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of one embodiment an
overall pitch system 70 for the wind turbine 10 is illustrated. More specifically, as
shown, the pitch system 70 may include a plurality of pitch drive mechanisms 32, i.e.
one for each pitch axis 34. Further, as shown, each of the pitch drive mechanisms
may be communicatively coupled to the power grid 45 and may also include one or
more batteries 72. More specifically, as shown, each pitch drive mechanism 32 may
be associated with a plurality of batteries 72 that are stored in a battery cabinet 74.
Thus, in certain embodiments, the battery cabinets 74 may be thermally isolated
containers. Moreover, as mentioned, the pitch system 70 may be controlled via the
pitch controller 30. In addition, the pitch system 70 (and specifically the pitch
controller and/or the turbine controller 26) may be communicatively coupled to the
analytics server 76.
[0040] During normal operation of the wind turbine 10, the pitch drive motors 33
are driven by the power grid 45. However, in some instances, such as during an
adverse grid event or grid loss, the pitch drive motors 33 may be driven by the
batteries 72. If pitching of the rotor blades 22 relies on such batteries 72 (i.e. due to a
grid loss), it is important to ensure that the batteries 72 are capable of operating when
needed. Thus, the turbine controller 26 (or pitch controller 30) is configured to
implement a control strategy for detecting fault in the batteries 72 so as to prevent
damaging loads from occurring during an adverse grid event of a wind turbine 10 or
any other scenarios where battery power is used to pitch the rotor blades 22.
[0041] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a flow diagram of one embodiment
of a method 100 for detecting a fault in a direct current (DC) battery (such as one of
the batteries 72) is illustrated. The method 100 may be implemented using, for
instance, the turbine controller 26, the pitch controller 30, or the server 76 or
combinations thereof discussed above with references to FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5 depicts
steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion.
Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will
understand that various steps of the method 100, or any of the methods disclosed
herein, may be adapted, modified, rearranged, performed simultaneously, or modified
in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0042] As shown at (102), the method 100 includes receiving (e.g. via one of the
controller(s) 26, 30) a plurality of voltage signals of the battery 72 over at least one
time period. For example, in an embodiment, the voltage signals may include a
plurality of voltage signals, including for example, one or more minimum voltages,
one or more maximum voltages, and/or one or more standard deviation values of the
voltage. As such, in an embodiment, the turbine controller 26 is configured to send
aggregated data of the voltage signals to the database 78 through a SCADA system
(not shown) for additional processing.
[0043] In addition, in an embodiment, the method 100 may be implemented over
multiple time periods. For example, the plurality of time periods may include 10-
minute data aggregation intervals. Further, in particular embodiments, the time
period(s) may occur when the battery is used to power a pitch motor of the pitch
system 70. Thus, in certain embodiments, the method 100 may include monitoring,
via at least one sensor (e.g. one of the pitch sensors 59), voltage of the battery 72 over
the predetermined time period.
[0044] Referring still to FIG. 5, as shown at (104), in an embodiment, the method
100 may also include filtering, via at least one filter, the plurality of voltage signals of
the battery 72. In such embodiments, the filter may include a low-pass filter, a highpass filter, a band-pass filter, or combinations thereof. Thus, such filtering is
configured to filter out flawed samples and high regeneration current.
[0045] Referring still to FIG. 5, as shown at (106), the method 100 may include
storing the plurality of voltage signals of the battery 72 for the predetermined time
period. For example, in an embodiment, the received voltage signals may be stored in
a database 78 of the server 76 for further processing.
[0046] As shown at (108), the method 100 includes determining (e.g. via the
server 76) a state of the battery 72 as a function of the plurality of voltage signals. As
described herein, the state of the battery 72 generally refers to the overall health of the
battery 72 and can be used by the server 76 schedule maintenance actions before the
battery 72 (or batteries) fail. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the server 76 is
configured to determine the state of the battery 72 as a function of the received
voltage signals, e.g. by comparing the minimum voltage(s) of the collected data to a
minimum voltage threshold of the battery 72. In alternative embodiments, rather than
comparing to a constant threshold, the received voltage signals from the battery 72
may be compared to batteries in other wind turbines and/or other batteries within the
same wind turbine. Any outliers from this comparison could be identified as failing
batteries. This could potentially be useful in correcting for environment factors (e.g.
extreme heat/cold) because only detecting outliers from batteries within close
proximity would filter out geographic/environment factors. Further, as shown at
(110), when the minimum voltage(s) is below the minimum voltage threshold of the
battery 72, the server 76 is configured to identify a voltage drop of the battery 72.
[0047] In additional embodiments, when the minimum voltage(s) of the collected
data is below the minimum voltage threshold of the battery 72, as shown at (112), the
server 76 may also be configured to determine at least one standard deviation value of
the voltage signals of the battery 72 and compare the standard deviation(s) of the
voltage signals to a predefined threshold. For example, in an embodiment, the
controller(s) 26, 30 is configured to send ten-minute samples of battery voltage to the
analytics server/processor. The samples may include a computed average, maximum
voltage, minimum voltage, and/or the standard deviation for the ten-minute sample.
[0048] Therefore, the present disclosure is configured to use the minimum voltage
to determine that a battery voltage is below normal value and the standard deviation to
detect that it was a sustained drop. The server 76 can then also monitor for multiple
occurrences of voltage drops to provide accurate failed battery detection, e.g. by
counting the number of voltage drops that occurs over one or more time periods. For
example, in an embodiment, the server 76 may log and store battery tests within, e.g.
the last year and analyze such filtered samples, i.e. when the battery 72 is under load.
In one embodiment, the processor may look for multiple occurrences of voltage drops,
e.g. at least 30% of the last 10 tests to be faulted. The server 76 may also check that a
fault occurred within, e.g. the last five tests to better filter out cases where a battery
was replaced.
[0049] In particular embodiments, the analytics of the server 76 can be split into
at least two scripts, the first being the battery voltage test history and the second being
the battery voltage analytics. The table update script creates an archive of all pitch
battery test records and the associated battery voltages (e.g. the minimum voltage, the
maximum voltage, and the standard deviation) for wind turbines within a certain time
period, such as the last year. The second script uses the data in the staging table to
identify failing batteries. Therefore, by using only records when a battery test is
occurring, the server 76 can ensure that the pitch batteries are under load. Further, in
certain embodiments, the historical archive provides a quick look-up for wind turbines
that infrequently perform battery tests.
[0050] As shown at (114), the method 100 may include determining whether the
battery state is indicative of a battery fault. If so (e.g. based on the minimum
voltage(s) being below the minimum voltage threshold and/or the standard deviation
being above the predefined threshold), as shown at (116), the method 100 may
include implementing a corrective action for the battery 72. For example, in one
embodiment, the corrective action may include generating an alarm signal, scheduling
a maintenance action for the battery 72, or replacing the battery 72. More
specifically, in an embodiment, the method 100 may include replacing the battery 72
when multiple battery faults are detected in the battery 72.
[0051] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are defined by
the following numbered clauses:
Clause 1. A method for detecting a fault in a direct current (DC) battery,
the method comprising:
receiving, via a server, a plurality of voltage signals of the battery over at least
one time period;
storing, via a database of a server, the plurality of voltage signals of the battery
for the predetermined time period;
determining, via the server, a state of the battery as a function of the plurality
of voltage signals; and,
implementing a corrective action for the battery when the state of the battery is
indicative of a battery fault.
Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the plurality of voltage signals
comprise one or more minimum voltage values, one or more maximum voltage
signals, and/or one or more standard deviation values of a plurality of voltage signals.
Clause 3. The method of clause 2, further comprising filtering, via at least
one filter, the plurality of voltage signals of the battery.
Clause 4. The method of clause 2, wherein determining the state of the
battery as a function of the plurality of voltage signals further comprises:
comparing the one or more minimum voltage values to a minimum voltage
threshold of the battery; and,
when the one or more minimum voltage values are below the minimum
voltage threshold of the battery, identifying a voltage drop of the battery.
Clause 5. The method of clause 4, wherein determining the state of the
battery as a function of the plurality of voltage signals further comprises:
when the one or more minimum voltage values are below the minimum
voltage threshold of the battery, determining, via a controller communicatively
coupled to the server, one or more standard deviation values of the plurality of voltage
signals of the battery; and,
comparing, via the server, the one or more standard deviation values of the
plurality of voltage signals to a predefined threshold to ensure that the voltage drop of
the battery is sustained for a predetermined time period.
Clause 6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least
one time period comprises a plurality of time periods.
Clause 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the plurality of time periods
comprise 10-minute data aggregation intervals.
Clause 8. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising
monitoring, via at least one sensor, the plurality of voltage signals of the battery.
Clause 9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the battery
is part of a pitch system of a wind turbine.
Clause 10. The method of clause 9, wherein the at least one time period
occurs when the battery is used to power a pitch motor of the pitch system.
Clause 11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein
implementing the corrective action further comprises at least one of generating an
alarm signal, scheduling a maintenance action for the battery, or replacing the battery.
Clause 12. The method of clause 11, further comprising replacing the
battery when multiple battery faults are detected in the battery.
Clause 13. A system for detecting a fault in a battery of a pitch system of a
wind turbine, the system comprising:
at least one sensor configured for monitoring a plurality of voltage signals of
the battery over at least one time period;
a server communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, wherein the
server is configured to perform a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations
comprising:
determining a state of the battery as a function of the plurality of voltage
signals; and,
implementing a corrective action for the battery when the state of the battery is
indicative of a battery fault.
Clause 14. The system of clause 13, wherein the plurality of voltage
signals comprises a minimum voltage, a maximum voltage, and/or one or more
standard deviation values of a plurality of voltage signals.
Clause 15. The system of clause 14, further comprising at least one filter
for filtering the plurality of voltage signals of the battery.
Clause 16. The system of clause 14, wherein determining the state of the
battery as a function of the plurality of voltage signals further comprises:
comparing the minimum voltage to a minimum voltage threshold of the battery; and,
when the minimum voltage is below the minimum voltage threshold of the battery,
identifying a voltage drop of the battery.
Clause 17. The system of clause 16, wherein determining the state of the
battery as a function of the plurality of voltage signals further comprises:
when the minimum voltage is below the minimum voltage threshold of the
battery, determining, via a controller communicatively coupled to the server, one or
more standard deviations of the plurality of voltage signals of the battery; and,
comparing the one or more standard deviation values of the plurality of
voltage signals to a predefined threshold to ensure that the voltage drop of the battery
is sustained for a predetermined time period.
Clause 18. The system of clauses 13-17, wherein the at least one time
period comprises 10-minute data aggregation intervals.
Clause 19. The system of clauses 13-18, wherein the at least one time
period occurs when the battery is used to power a pitch motor of the pitch system.
Clause 20. The system of clauses 13-19, wherein implementing the
corrective action further comprises at least one of generating an alarm signal,
scheduling a maintenance action for the battery, or replacing the battery.
[0052] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including
the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the
invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any
incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims,
and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural
elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages
of the claims.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A method for detecting a fault in a direct current (DC) battery, the
method comprising:
receiving, via a server, a plurality of voltage signals of the battery over at least
one time period;
storing, via a database of a server, the plurality of voltage signals of the battery
for the predetermined time period;
determining, via the server, a state of the battery as a function of the plurality
of voltage signals; and,
implementing a corrective action for the battery when the state of the battery is
indicative of a battery fault.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of voltage signals
comprise one or more minimum voltage values, one or more maximum voltage
signals, and/or one or more standard deviation values of a plurality of voltage signals.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising filtering, via at least one
filter, the plurality of voltage signals of the battery.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the state of the battery as
a function of the plurality of voltage signals further comprises:
comparing the one or more minimum voltage values to a minimum voltage
threshold of the battery; and,
when the one or more minimum voltage values are below the minimum
voltage threshold of the battery, identifying a voltage drop of the battery.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining the state of the battery as
a function of the plurality of voltage signals further comprises:
when the one or more minimum voltage values are below the minimum
voltage threshold of the battery, determining, via a controller communicatively
coupled to the server, one or more standard deviation values of the plurality of voltage
signals of the battery; and,
comparing, via the server, the one or more standard deviation values of the
plurality of voltage signals to a predefined threshold to ensure that the voltage drop of
the battery is sustained for a predetermined time period.
6. The method of any preceding claims, wherein the at least one time
period comprises a plurality of time periods.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of time periods comprise
10-minute data aggregation intervals.
8. The method of any preceding claims, further comprising monitoring,
via at least one sensor, the plurality of voltage signals of the battery.
9. The method of any preceding claims, wherein the battery is part of a
pitch system of a wind turbine.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one time period occurs
when the battery is used to power a pitch motor of the pitch system.
11. The method of any preceding claims, wherein implementing the
corrective action further comprises at least one of generating an alarm signal,
scheduling a maintenance action for the battery, or replacing the battery.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising replacing the battery when
multiple battery faults are detected in the battery.
13. A system for detecting a fault in a battery of a pitch system of a wind
turbine, the system comprising:
at least one sensor configured for monitoring a plurality of voltage signals of
the battery over at least one time period;
a server communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, wherein the
server is configured to perform a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations
comprising:
determining a state of the battery as a function of the plurality of
voltage signals; and,
implementing a corrective action for the battery when the state of the
battery is indicative of a battery fault.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of voltage signals
comprises a minimum voltage, a maximum voltage, and/or one or more standard
deviation values of a plurality of voltage signals.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one filter for
filtering the plurality of voltage signals of the battery.