Power Module Testing with Reactive Power Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current testing procedures for electrical power modules in wind turbines are limited, requiring the use of temporary inductance bars and resistor banks, which occupy storage space for long periods and only allow testing up to 20% of the module's rated power, preventing full nominal power testing.

Innovation Solution

A device with reactive power compensation means and power control mechanisms, utilizing multi-phase and multi-channel synchronous electric machines to compensate reactive power and compare generated power with threshold values, allowing for comprehensive testing without additional inductance bars or resistor banks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inductance bars and resistor banks are used for testing power modules, then reactive power compensation and power dissipation are achieved, but storage space is occupied for long periods (6 months testing vs. 25 years service life)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing power modules in the wind turbine field perform multiple functions: they serve both as generating units and as reactive power compensation devices during testing. By controlling power modules to operate in reactive power compensation mode, the system eliminates the need for separate inductance bars and resistor banks, thereby freeing up storage space on the platform while maintaining full testing capability.

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

2Reliability

If traditional test procedures are used with inductance bars and resistor banks, then testing can be performed, but only up to 20% of the module's rated power can be tested

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidtesting power range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables power modules to simultaneously perform power generation and reactive power compensation functions during testing. By controlling the power module's operating mode to provide reactive power compensation while generating active power, the system removes the 20% power limitation and allows full-rated power testing, thereby expanding the testing power range while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If generator set is used to power wind turbines during test phases, then electrical power is provided, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the wind turbine power modules to self-power the testing process by operating in reactive power compensation mode. Instead of relying on the generator set to provide all electrical power during testing, the power modules under test contribute their own reactive power compensation capability, reducing the active power demand on the generator set and thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables testing of power modules over their entire power range, reducing storage needs and fuel consumption, with autonomous operation and reduced generator power consumption, while validating the operation of acquisition, control, and power chains.

Implementation Method 1

reactive power compensation means consisting of one of the power modules configured to compensate the reactive power exchanged with the power module under test

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

means for controlling the power generated by the tested power module comprising means for comparing said generated power with at least one threshold value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3460497B1Apparatus and method for testing power modules
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD(GB)
  • EP3460497B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3460497B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3460497B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This device for testing a power module (Mp) of a set of interconnected power modules (Mp) includes reactive power compensation means (1, 2) capable of compensating the reactive power transferred between a tested power module and the other power modules, and control means for the power generated (UT2) by the tested power module including means for comparing (Mcomp) said generated power with at least one threshold value.