Active Compensator Augmented Diode Rectifier for Generator Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
100% kVA rated power converter wind solutions are more expensive, heavier, and larger than 40% kVA rated solutions, and they require a generator unit to provide reactive power inefficiently, which affects system cost and performance.
Innovation Solution
An active compensator augmented diode rectifier system that optimizes the generator unit to produce only active current, with an active compensator providing the necessary reactive power to facilitate the operation of the diode rectifier, reducing system costs and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 100% kVA rated power converter is used, then improved low voltage ride through capability and better generator utilization are achieved, but system cost, weight, and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is segmented into two separate functional modules: a diode bridge rectifier for active power conversion and a standalone active compensator for reactive power compensation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing the overall size and weight compared to a single 100% kVA rated power converter while maintaining LVRT capability through the active compensator's voltage support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactive power compensation function is extracted from the main power conversion system and implemented as a separate active compensator. This extraction allows the diode bridge rectifier to focus solely on active power conversion, reducing its size and cost, while the dedicated active compensator provides the necessary reactive power support for improved LVRT capability without adding proportional weight to the entire system.
2Ease of manufacture
If a diode bridge rectifier is used, then system cost is reduced, but reactive power must be provided by the generator reducing its efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The reactive power compensation function is extracted from the generator and assigned to a dedicated active compensator. This allows the generator to operate at optimal efficiency by providing only active power, while the active compensator independently handles reactive power compensation, eliminating the energy loss associated with the generator operating in a non-optimized state.
Solution Approach 2:
The active compensator acts as an intermediary between the diode bridge rectifier and the power grid, providing the necessary reactive power compensation without requiring the generator to supply it. This intermediary device enables the use of the cost-effective diode bridge rectifier while maintaining system efficiency through dedicated reactive power management.
3Ease of operation
If the generator provides reactive power, then the diode rectifier can operate, but the generator is not controlled with optimized efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The reactive power compensation function is extracted from the generator's control responsibilities and assigned to a dedicated active compensator. This extraction allows the generator to be controlled solely for optimal active power production, improving generator control efficiency, while the active compensator independently ensures the diode rectifier receives the necessary reactive power for proper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The active compensator serves as an intermediary that decouples the generator's operation from the diode rectifier's reactive power requirements. This intermediary enables the diode rectifier to operate with the necessary reactive power support while the generator maintains optimized efficiency control, as the active compensator handles the reactive power compensation independently.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described herein includes an active compensatory augmented diode bridge rectifier system. According to one aspect, the system includes a generator unit configured to generate a current flow made up entirely of active current and a diode rectifier configured to receive the active current from the generator unit, to direct the active current to a connected power grid, and to receive a reactive current. The system further includes an active compensator configured to optimize the generator unit to produce the active current and to generate the reactive power used to facilitate the operation of the diode rectifier.