Wind Turbine Synchronous Generator Control With Adaptive Current Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inaccuracies in the underlying model used by the operating point module of a synchronous generator in wind turbines lead to suboptimal operating points, resulting in yield losses due to disregarded factors such as inverter, DC-DC converter, cable, and choke losses, temperature-dependent inductances, manufacturing tolerances, and aging effects.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a synchronous generator that involves specifying preliminary current setpoints and modifying them with correction values to optimize the operating point, using an adjustment device and self-learning mechanism to compensate for model inaccuracies, with correction values limited to 30% of the preliminary setpoints' amplitude.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the operating point module uses a simplified model to determine the operating point, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to disregarded losses and parameter variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of operating point moduleVSAvoidaccuracy of operating point determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two functional parts: the operating point module that provides preliminary current setpoints based on a simplified model, and the adaptation device that provides correction values based on actual measured data. This segmentation allows each part to specialize - one for theoretical optimization and one for empirical refinement - resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptation device acts as an intermediary between the simplified operating point module and the actual generator performance. It receives preliminary setpoints, adds correction values based on measured losses and parameters, and outputs refined setpoints. This intermediary compensates for the inaccuracies of the simplified model without requiring complete model complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the operating point module disregards various losses and parameter variations, then ease of manufacture and operation are improved, but productivity deteriorates due to yield losses from suboptimal operating points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of control systemVSAvoidyield of wind turbine
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by measuring actual losses, temperatures, and operating parameters, then using this information through the adaptation device to generate correction values. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to maintain simplicity in the operating point module while achieving high productivity through continuous adaptation based on actual performance data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptation device enables the system to self-correct for model inaccuracies by automatically adjusting current setpoints based on measured performance data. The system serves itself by using its own operational data to improve its own efficiency, eliminating yield losses without requiring external intervention or complex manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If correction values are applied to modify preliminary current setpoints, then manufacturing precision and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases due to the addition of adaptation device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of current setpointsVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two functional parts: the operating point module that provides preliminary current setpoints based on a simplified model, and the adaptation device that provides correction values based on actual measured data. This segmentation allows each part to specialize - one for theoretical optimization and one for empirical refinement - resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptation device modifies the preliminary current setpoints by applying parameter changes in the form of correction values. These correction values adjust the d-component and q-component of the current setpoints based on measured deviations, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple additive correction approach rather than complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If the system uses a detailed model considering all losses and parameter variations, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of operating point determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two functional parts: the operating point module that provides preliminary current setpoints based on a simplified model, and the adaptation device that provides correction values based on actual measured data. This segmentation allows each part to specialize - one for theoretical optimization and one for empirical refinement - resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptation device acts as an intermediary between the simplified operating point module and the actual generator performance. It receives preliminary setpoints, adds correction values based on measured losses and parameters, and outputs refined setpoints. This intermediary compensates for the inaccuracies of the simplified model without requiring complete model complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4675912A1Method for controlling a synchronous generator of a wind turbine
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
  • EP4675912A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4675912A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4675912A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Method for controlling a synchronous generator of a wind turbine, wherein preliminary current setpoints are specified by means of a current setting device to set a preliminary operating point for controlling the synchronous generator, the preliminary current setpoints specified by the current setting device are changed by correction values ​​into modified current setpoints in order to optimize the preliminary operating point, wherein an adjustment device determines the correction values ​​by means of an adjustment rule of the adjustment device, and the modified current setpoints are used to control the synchronous generator in order to set a modified operating point.