Wind Turbine Generator Cooling Sequencing to Reduce Starting Shock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wind turbine generator cooling systems face issues such as high starting shock, large distribution transformer capacity, high self-power consumption, great generator temperature fluctuations, and yaw system tripping failures when directly connected to the power grid, and high costs when using frequency converters.

Innovation Solution

A cooling control method and apparatus that connects a cooling device and an intermittent operation device of a wind turbine to a frequency converter, allowing the frequency converter to control their startup times, calculating a predicted generator temperature, and initiating cooling actions based on threshold temperatures to manage heat dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the cooling device is directly connected to the power grid, then the cost is lowest, but the starting shock is great and the distribution transformer capacity is large

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidstarting shock
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A frequency converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the power grid and the cooling device. The frequency converter gradually adjusts the frequency and voltage supplied to the cooling device during startup, enabling smooth acceleration without causing large starting shock to the power grid while avoiding direct connection drawbacks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency converter pre-adjusts the electrical parameters (frequency and voltage) before the cooling device starts operating at full capacity. This preliminary adjustment of power supply characteristics allows the cooling device to start up gradually, reducing the starting shock impact on the distribution transformer and power grid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the cooling device is directly connected to the power grid, then the cost is lowest, but the self-power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidself-power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency converter dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the cooling device based on real-time temperature conditions and load requirements. By optimizing the frequency and voltage supply according to actual cooling needs, the system achieves variable speed control that reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates temperature detection and feedback control mechanisms that monitor generator temperature and adjust the cooling device operation accordingly. The frequency converter receives feedback signals and modifies power supply parameters to optimize cooling efficiency and minimize energy consumption, ensuring the cooling device operates only when and as much as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If the cooling device is directly connected to the power grid, then the cost is lowest, but the generator temperature fluctuation is great

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidgenerator temperature fluctuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses temperature detection devices to continuously monitor generator temperature and feeds this information back to the frequency converter. Based on the feedback, the frequency converter dynamically adjusts the cooling device speed and power consumption to maintain stable generator temperature, preventing both overheating and excessive cooling that would cause temperature fluctuations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency converter enables dynamic adjustment of the cooling device operating speed based on real-time temperature conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to respond flexibly to changing thermal loads, maintaining optimal temperature stability in the generator while adapting cooling intensity to match actual thermal requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Force

If the cooling device uses a frequency converter, then the starting shock is reduced, but the cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestarting shockVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the cooling device and the intermittent operation device, manages startup sequences, monitors temperature conditions, and adjusts operating parameters. By consolidating these control functions into a single multi-functional device, the system reduces the need for separate control systems and minimizes overall equipment cost while achieving smooth startup control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the control of the cooling device and the intermittent operation device under a single frequency converter. This consolidation allows coordinated control of multiple devices, reduces the number of frequency converters needed, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining the benefits of reduced starting shock through frequency-converted power supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12196183B2Cooling control method and cooling control apparatus for generator of wind turbine
Publication Date: 2025.01.14 BEIJING GOLDWIND SCI & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIP CO LTD
  • US12196183B2 patent drawing
  • US12196183B2 patent drawing
  • US12196183B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a cooling control method and a cooling control apparatus for a generator of a wind turbine. A cooling device of the generator and an intermittent operation device are connected to a frequency converter, the frequency converter controls the cooling device and the intermittent operation device to start up at different times, and the cooling control method includes: under a condition that a starting condition of the intermittent operation device is determined to be satisfied, calculating a predicted temperature of the generator; under a condition that the predicted temperature is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold temperature, using the frequency converter to control the intermittent operation device to start up to execute the predetermined related action; and using the frequency converter to control the cooling device to start up to cool the generator.