Wind Turbine Converter Control for Generator Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines experience audible vibrations due to harmonics in converter currents, leading to noise emissions above legal standards, which can result in throttling or shutdown of the turbines.
Innovation Solution
A method for parameterizing and controlling converters in wind turbines by simulating operating conditions, detecting acoustic quantities, and determining parameters to minimize noise and vibrations, including adjusting stator and excitation currents to drive the generator into saturation, thereby reducing noise emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If converter currents are used to control the wind turbine, then power conversion and control functionality is achieved, but harmonics are generated causing audible vibrations and noise emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying converter current parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase) to minimize harmonics. The control system adjusts these parameters dynamically based on detected acoustic vibrations, transforming the converter operation to reduce noise emissions while maintaining power conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting acoustic vibrations from the generator and using this information to adjust converter current parameters. The acoustic sensor provides feedback about noise levels, which the control system uses to modify converter operation in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes harmful noise emissions.
2Ease of operation
If standard converter control methods are used, then converter operation is achieved, but acoustic vibrations in the generator occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses acoustic vibration detection as feedback to modify converter control parameters. The detected vibrations inform the control system about problematic operating conditions, enabling automatic adjustment of converter currents to eliminate or reduce acoustic vibrations while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes converter current parameters (such as switching frequency, pulse width modulation duty cycle, or current amplitude) based on detected acoustic vibrations. These parameter modifications alter the converter's electromagnetic interaction with the generator, reducing resonant vibrations and noise emissions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If noise emissions are reduced through parameter optimization, then acoustic compliance is achieved, but converter control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism automatically adjusts converter parameters based on acoustic sensor input, eliminating the need for manual tuning or complex optimization algorithms. The system self-regulates by comparing detected noise levels against acceptable thresholds and making appropriate parameter adjustments, simplifying the overall control architecture despite the added acoustic monitoring capability.
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 method effectively minimizes noise and vibrations in wind turbines, ensuring compliance with noise standards and optimizing operating conditions while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine's generator can produce noise emissions
Implementation Method 2
harmonics can occur in the converter currents, which in turn can lead to audible vibrations in electrically adjacent machines
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for parameterizing a converter (130), in particular a converter (130) of a wind turbine (100), comprising the steps of: defining an operating situation of the converter (130) in which the converter (130) is electrically connected to an electric machine (120); simulating and/or operating the converter (130) in the operating situation; detecting an acoustic, in particular vibroacoustic, quantity (S) of the electric machine (120); and determining a parameter (Bo,u) for the converter (130) taking into account the acoustic quantity (S) for the operating situation, in particular in such a way that the acoustic quantity (S) is minimized.