Wind Turbine External Power Supply for Smaller Grid-Loss Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face challenges in maintaining power to auxiliary systems during grid loss, requiring large and costly external power supplies like diesel generators, especially for offshore installations.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine system incorporating an internal back-up power supply and an external power supply that can charge the internal back-up while it supplies power to the main power supply line, optimizing energy use and reducing the size and cost of external power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large external power supplies (diesel generators >100 kVA) are used to meet power demands during grid loss, then reliability of auxiliary systems is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is segmented between the internal back-up power supply (batteries/ultracapacitors) and the external power supply. The internal supply handles immediate power demands and short-term operation, while the external supply provides longer-term power and charges the internal supply, dividing the burden and reducing the size/complexity of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The external power supply is configured to charge the internal back-up power supply in advance during periods when power is available, so that the internal supply is replenished before critical power needs arise. This preliminary charging action reduces the peak power requirements of the external supply.
2Duration of action of moving object
If large external power supplies are used to extend operation during grid loss, then duration of action is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external power supply continuously charges the internal back-up power supply during operation, maintaining its charge level. This continuous useful action (charging) extends the overall duration of auxiliary system operation without requiring a proportionally larger external power supply, as the internal supply acts as a buffer that is continuously replenished.
3Power
If large external power supplies are used to meet peak power demands, then power availability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external power supply is designed to provide only the necessary charging current to replenish the internal back-up supply, rather than being sized to meet the full peak power demand of all auxiliary systems. The internal back-up supply handles the peak demands, allowing the external supply to be smaller and less expensive while still ensuring power availability through the combined system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wind turbines systems comprising a main power supply line for supplying power to wind turbine components, an internal back-up power supply and a first converter configured to convert power from the internal back-up power supply and provide power to the main power supply line. The wind turbine systems further comprise an external power supply configured to provide power to the main power supply line, and an external power supply switch arranged between the external power supply and the main power supply line. The external power supply is further configured to provide power to the internal back-up power supply. The present disclosure also relates to methods for providing power supply to a main power supply line of a wind turbine system.