Parallel Sync-Switch Assembly for Power Generator Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power generating assets, particularly wind turbines, face challenges in finding sync-switches with sufficient electrical capacity and mechanical endurance due to limited options within specific voltage ranges, leading to increased costs from using oversized or custom-designed switches.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a sync-switch assembly with multiple independently controllable switching devices in parallel, where a controller detects operating parameter thresholds to adjust the state of each device, distributing the usage burden and optimizing electrical capacity and mechanical endurance without the need for oversized or custom-designed switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sync-switch is used to connect or disconnect the power generating asset, then the electrical capacity and mechanical endurance requirements increase, but the cost increases due to limited options in specific voltage ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The sync-switch is divided into multiple switching devices (first switching device, second switching device, etc.) that operate in parallel. Each switching device handles a portion of the total electrical load, reducing the individual burden on each device. This segmentation allows the use of standard, lower-cost switching devices instead of requiring a single oversized or custom-designed switch with high electrical capacity and mechanical endurance.
2Reliability
If multiple switching devices are used in parallel, then the electrical capacity and mechanical endurance are optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switching devices are combined in parallel to form a unified sync-switch assembly. The controller manages these devices collectively, detecting operating parameters and coordinating their operation to achieve the desired synchronization and disconnection functions. This merging approach distributes the electrical and mechanical burdens while maintaining coordinated control through parameter detection and unified management.
3Device complexity
If a single switching device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the life expectancy of the synchronization device decreases due to increased usage burden
Solution Approach 1:
The usage burden is segmented across multiple switching devices through parallel operation. Each device experiences reduced electrical stress and fewer operational cycles compared to a single device handling the entire load. This distribution of the usage burden extends the operational life and life expectancy of each individual switching device while maintaining the overall functionality of the sync-switch assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for operating a power generating asset having a generator operably coupled to a power grid. The generator having a rotor and a stator. The stator being operably coupled to a transformer, and ultimately to the power grid, via a sync-switch assembly. The sync-switch assembly having a plurality of switching devices electrically coupled in parallel. Accordingly, a controller detects an approach of at least one operating parameter of the power generating asset to a first parameter threshold. In response to detecting the approach of the operating parameter to the first parameter threshold, the controller independently changes an operating state of a first switching device of the plurality of switching devices of the sync-switch assembly. Each switching device of the plurality of switching devices is independently controllable via the controller.