Desynchronizing Switching Converters in Wind Parks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generator parks face challenges in reducing harmonic disturbances caused by switching converters, with known solutions being expensive, increasing electrical losses, or limited in physical range.
Innovation Solution
A power generator park with at least two power generator devices, each equipped with a switching converter, utilizes a central controller and timing unit to coordinate switching parameters based on a common time signal, such as GPS, to temporally synchronize switching operations and reduce harmonic disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If grid filters are used to reduce harmonic impact, then harmonic disturbance is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful harmonic disturbances into beneficial effects by deliberately desynchronizing switching converters so that their harmonic outputs cancel each other out. Instead of filtering harmonics, the system uses coordinated unsynchronized switching to make harmonics mutually compensate, transforming a harmful phenomenon into a solution.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than synchronizing switching converters to eliminate harmonics (conventional approach), the patent inverts the strategy by desynchronizing them with specific time offsets. This inverted approach causes harmonic cancellation through constructive interference of opposite-phase harmonic components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If switching frequency is increased to reduce harmonic impact, then harmonic disturbance is reduced, but electrical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of switching operations by introducing time offsets between switching converters. Instead of modifying switching frequency, the system alters the timing phase of each converter to achieve harmonic cancellation, thereby avoiding the energy losses associated with higher switching frequencies.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If turbines are paired by optic fibre to desynchronize switching phases, then harmonic disturbance is reduced, but physical range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal desynchronization system that can be applied to any number of switching converters regardless of their physical distance. The control method works with two converters or hundreds, and with turbines located nearby or across the globe, making the solution universally applicable without physical constraints.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
It is described a power generator park (100), e.g. a wind park, comprising at least two power generator devices (102a, 102b, 102c) such as wind turbine devices, wherein each power generator device comprises a switching converter (104) for providing an electrical output power (106). Further, there is provided a central controller (118) for providing switching parameter settings (120a, 120b, 120c) to the switching converters (104). Each of the at least two power generator devices (102a, 102b, 102c) further comprises a timing unit (127) for receiving a common time signal (129), e.g. in the form of a GPS signal. The switching converter (104) of each of the at least two power generator devices (102a, 102b, 102c) is configured for controlling at least one switching parameter (120a, 120b, 120c) in response to the respective switching parameter setting with a temporal coordination based on the common time signal (129).