HVDC Wind Turbine Black Start via Power Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Geographically-isolated wind turbine farms face challenges in restarting wind turbines without external power sources, leading to high capital and operational costs due to the need for additional equipment like diesel generators for black start capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An electric power transmission system utilizing a high voltage direct current (HVDC) conductor and a power conversion assembly to modulate DC and AC power components, allowing for the transmission of AC power to wind turbines via existing HVDC cables, leveraging existing hardware to reduce construction and maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional equipment like diesel generators is provided for black start capabilities, then wind turbines can be restarted without external power sources, but capital construction costs and operational maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblack start capabilityVSAvoidadditional equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by using the wind turbine's own generator and existing HVDC cable infrastructure to provide power for restarting auxiliary equipment during black start conditions, eliminating the need for external diesel generators or additional specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The existing HVDC power transmission cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to transmit both normal operating power and black start power, eliminating the need for separate dedicated black start equipment and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If independent electric power transmission equipment is provided for black start, then wind turbines can be restarted, but capital construction costs and operational maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblack start capabilityVSAvoidconstruction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the black start function with the existing HVDC power transmission system by enabling bidirectional power flow through the same cable infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate independent power transmission equipment and reducing construction costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power conversion assembly acts as an intermediary that enables the existing HVDC cable to function as a black start power transmission medium, allowing the system to leverage existing infrastructure rather than building new dedicated equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If separated full power conversion assembly is used with rectifier and inverter portions in different locations, then wind turbine farm operation is facilitated, but equipment complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind turbine farm operationVSAvoidseparated equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential black start function from complex separated power conversion assemblies and implements it through a simplified power conversion assembly at a single location, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using separated rectifier and inverter portions in different locations as in conventional systems, the invention inverts the approach by using a single integrated power conversion assembly that performs both functions, simplifying the system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates black start capabilities by transmitting sufficient auxiliary electric power to remote wind turbines, reducing capital and operational costs while enabling efficient restarts and shifting to standby conditions when turbines generate sufficient power.

Implementation Method 1

converting AC power to direct current (DC) power having a DC component and an AC component via the power conversion assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 2

transmitting the DC component and the AC component through a DC power transmission line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

separating the DC component from the AC component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical separation:

Data Source

PatentEP2445075B1Electric power transmission system for wind turbine and wind turbine farm and method for operating same

Publication Date: 2018.09.05 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

An electric power transmission system (200) for an electric power generator (120) includes a high voltage direct current (HVDC) conductor (108). The system also includes a power conversion assembly (205) coupled to said HVDC conductor, said power conversion assembly configured to modulate direct current (DC) power to generate a DC component and an alternating current (AC) component. The system further includes an electrical device (210) coupled to said power conversion assembly, said electrical device configured to separate the DC component from the AC component.