Generator Control Method Using Voltage Ratio Multipliers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine generators face limitations in adjusting their operations due to pre-defined current and temperature limits, which restrict their ability to respond effectively to varying conditions, leading to reduced energy capture and production.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a multiplier based on measured voltage ratios to adjust operating limits, allowing generators to increase their operational range and reduce current and temperature limits, thereby enabling better response to varying conditions and enhancing energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-defined current and temperature limits are used to control generator operation, then generator reliability is improved, but generator adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static pre-defined operating limits to dynamic adjusted operating limits. The control system continuously monitors actual generator conditions (current, temperature, voltage) and adjusts the operating limits in real-time based on the difference between actual and nominal voltages. This allows the generator to adapt its operating range dynamically while maintaining reliability through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (current limits, temperature limits) based on voltage conditions. When the actual voltage differs from the nominal voltage, the system calculates adjusted operating limits that scale with the voltage ratio. This parameter change approach allows the generator to operate beyond traditional limits when voltage conditions permit, improving adaptability while maintaining reliability through controlled parameter adjustment.
2Reliability
If pre-defined current and temperature limits are used to control generator operation, then generator safety is improved, but energy production deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating limits based on real-time voltage conditions rather than using fixed pre-defined limits. When voltage conditions are favorable (actual voltage close to nominal voltage or within acceptable ranges), the system allows higher current and temperature operation, increasing energy production while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring and conditional limit adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters (current limits, temperature limits) as a function of voltage conditions. By calculating adjusted limits based on the ratio of actual to nominal voltage, the system permits higher energy production when voltage conditions support it, while maintaining safety boundaries when voltage conditions are marginal. This resolves the contradiction by making safety and production goals compatible through conditional parameter adjustment.
3Device complexity
If fixed operating limits are applied, then control simplicity is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own operating conditions (current, temperature, voltage) and autonomously adjusting its operating limits without external intervention. The system calculates adjusted limits based on its measured voltage conditions and automatically applies these adjustments to its control operations, improving operational efficiency while maintaining reasonable control complexity through automated self-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual generator conditions (voltage, current, temperature) and using this feedback to adjust operating limits. The system measures the difference between actual and nominal voltages, calculates appropriate limit adjustments, and applies these adjustments to maintain optimal operation. This feedback loop improves operational efficiency while keeping control complexity manageable through systematic automated adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems (176) and methods (200) for protecting a generator are provided. An example method (200) can include receiving (202) a signal indicative of a voltage associated with a stator. The method (200) can include receiving (204) a signal indicative of a nominal voltage associated with the stator. The method (200) can include receiving a signal indicative of a monitoring state associated with a generator (120). The method (200) can include receiving a signal indicative of a deadband range. The method can include determining a voltage ratio based at least in part on the voltage associated with the stator and the nominal voltage. The method (200) can include determining an adjusted operating limit using a multiplier determined based at least in part on the voltage ratio. The method (200) can include generating a power command to control operation of the generator (120) based at least in part on the adjusted operating limit.