Master Reactive Controller for Tightly Coupled Windfarm Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems struggle to effectively control multiple interconnected windfarms to jointly regulate power-related parameters at a point of common coupling with an electric power system, often requiring reduced dynamic operation or increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A master reactive control device (MRCD) monitors power-related parameters at the point of common coupling, coordinating local windfarm controllers to regulate real and reactive power, voltage, and power factor, while compensating for line drops and ensuring each windfarm operates within its capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple windfarms are interconnected and controlled by individual local controllers, then each windfarm can operate independently, but the combined output cannot be effectively regulated at the point of common coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master reactive controller as an intermediary device that coordinates between individual windfarm controllers and the point of common coupling. This master controller receives reactive power setpoints from the utility system and distributes appropriate setpoints to each local windfarm controller, enabling effective combined output regulation without compromising individual operational independence.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized control system is used to regulate combined power output, then coordination is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into hierarchical levels: a master reactive controller that handles high-level coordination and individual windfarm controllers that handle local execution. This segmentation avoids the complexity of a fully centralized system while maintaining effective regulation capability through distributed control architecture.
3Productivity
If windfarms operate with maximum dynamic response, then individual performance is optimized, but conflicts arise at the point of common coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The master reactive controller implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring the combined reactive power output at the point of common coupling and adjusting individual windfarm setpoints accordingly. This feedback loop coordinates dynamic responses across multiple windfarms, preventing conflicts while maintaining individual performance optimization through adaptive setpoint management.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wind turbine generator control system is provided for controlling output of a plurality of tightly-coupled windfarms 10, 15, 20 connected at a point of common 25 coupling with a power system grid 30. A master reactive control device 75 employs algorithms 295, 380 whose technical effect is to coordinate the real power, reactive power and voltage output of the multiple windfarms. The master reactive control device 75 incorporates a reactive power regulator 100A that can be used to regulate reactive power, power factor or voltage at the point of common coupling 25 and an active power regulator 300 that can be used to regulate real power at the point of common coupling 25, such that each windfarm 10, 15, 20 is not asked to contribute or violate its own operating capability.