Booster Transformer Soft-Closing for Offshore Wind Park Grid Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind parks face challenges in meeting onshore electricity grid requirements due to voltage and current transients during switching-in, and existing solutions like Static VAR devices are vulnerable and costly, especially for offshore use, while also needing to comply with environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A booster transformer with an intermediate circuit operating at medium-voltage and an energy dissipating element switchable between operational and non-operational conditions is used to dampen current and voltage transients, allowing for a soft-closing scheme that reduces transient effects and extends the life of insulation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a booster transformer with an energy dissipating element is used to dampen voltage and current transients during switching-in, then the quality of electrical connection is improved and the lifespan of insulation systems is extended, but the device complexity increases due to the additional intermediate circuit and switchable energy dissipating element
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate circuit is introduced between the primary and secondary windings of the booster transformer. This intermediate circuit contains a switchable energy dissipating element (resistor) that acts as a mediator to dampen voltage and current transients during switching-in operations, thereby improving connection quality while managing the added complexity through a structured intermediate layer
Solution Approach 2:
The energy dissipating element in the intermediate circuit is made switchable between operational and non-operational conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its damping characteristics based on operational requirements, enabling transient suppression during switching-in while maintaining normal operation with reduced losses
2Adaptability or versatility
If Static VAR devices based on power electronics are installed to meet plant capability curves, then the reactive power control capability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to vulnerability of power electronics especially for off-shore use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces vulnerable power electronic Static VAR devices with a transformer-based solution using electromagnetic principles. The booster transformer with its intermediate circuit and energy dissipating element provides reactive power control capability through electromagnetic induction and resistive damping, eliminating the reliability issues associated with offshore power electronics while maintaining adaptability through switchable configurations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively eliminates or reduces voltage and current transients, limiting electrodynamic and thermal stresses, thereby increasing the lifespan of electrical system components and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Implementation Method 1
an energy dissipating element switchable between an operational and non-operational condition
Implementation Method 2
booster transformer for coupling an AC-connection of an off-shore wind-park to an on-shore electricity grid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for switching-in an electricity grid of an off-shore wind park to an on-shore electricity grid, to a booster transformer modified for switching-in an electricity grid of an off-shore wind park to an on-shore electricity grid and to an AC- connection for operating an electricity grid of an off-shore wind-park switched-in to an onshore electricity grid.