Power Plant Controller Harmonic Damping via Prioritized Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling harmonics distortion in power plants, particularly at the point of common coupling (PCC), are inadequate as they only address individual wind turbine levels and lack regulation for Total Harmonic Dispatching (THD), leading to grid integration compliance issues and increased losses in electrical distribution equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a Power Plant Controller (PPC) that determines electrical characteristics at the PCC and dispatches control signals to energy production units based on a prioritizing sequence, actively managing harmonics by measuring and controlling Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at the plant level, using a predetermined prioritization of active power, reactive power, and harmonics to comply with grid requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual wind turbine level control is used for harmonics, then each turbine can control its own output, but the total harmonic distortion at PCC cannot be effectively regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple individual wind turbines into a unified plant-level control system. The PPC aggregates harmonic measurements from all turbines and issues coordinated control signals to regulate total harmonic distortion at the PCC, transforming separate control actions into a unified control strategy that achieves grid compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The Power Plant Controller PPC serves multiple functions: it monitors individual turbine output, measures total harmonic distortion at PCC, determines prioritization sequences for different electrical characteristics, and dispatches control signals to multiple turbines. This multi-functional controller eliminates the need for separate harmonic control systems at each turbine while achieving comprehensive harmonic regulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If passive filters are used for filtering harmonics, then harmonic distortion can be reduced, but the system becomes expensive and requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical/electrical filter systems with an active control system based on electronic signal processing. The PPC uses measurement and control algorithms to regulate harmonic distortion by adjusting turbine output characteristics, substituting physical filter infrastructure with intelligent electronic control that achieves the same harmonic mitigation effect without requiring expensive passive filter components or large installation space.
3Reliability
If central Power Plant Controller is used for harmonics control, then plant level THD regulation is achieved, but individual turbine control flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PPC continuously monitors the total harmonic distortion at the PCC and adjusts control signals to individual turbines based on measured THD levels. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain grid compliance while adapting turbine control actions in real-time, preserving operational flexibility through measurement-based adjustment rather than rigid centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the level of centralization based on grid conditions and turbine operational states. The PPC evaluates electrical characteristics and determines prioritization sequences in real-time, allowing individual turbines to maintain operational independence when possible while coordinating with the central controller when harmonic regulation is required, creating a dynamic balance between centralized control and turbine autonomy.
Data Source
AI summary
Harmonics of a power output of a power plant at a point of common coupling between the power plant and a utility grid, wherein the power plant comprises a plurality of energy production units. The method comprises determining an electrical characteristic at the point of common coupling; determining the electrical characteristic at an output terminal of each of the energy production units and dispatching a control signal to at least one of the energy production units to control the electrical characteristic at an output terminal of the respective energy production units. The control signal is based on the measurement of the electrical characteristic at the point of common coupling and arranged for damping the harmonic of the power output of the power plant at the point of common coupling, wherein the control signal is determined on the basis of a predetermined prioritizing sequence of said electrical characteristic.