Power Plant Set-Point Prioritization for Flexible Unit Dispatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power dispatching methods are not suited to meet specific power production needs, lacking the necessary flexibility to adjust power set-points effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling power generation in a power plant with multiple generating units, including wind turbines, which allows for obtaining and dispatching desired target power set-points to prioritized units, while adjusting power set-points of other units to maintain overall plant production and adhere to grid requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional power dispatching rules based on individual power production and available power levels are used, then production costs are minimized and wind turbine loads are optimized, but the system cannot meet specific power production needs or provide flexibility for individual unit adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of power dispatchingVSAvoidcomplexity of power dispatching system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power plant into individual power generating units, each with its own priority level and target power set-point. The central controller divides the overall power distribution task into unit-specific sub-tasks, allowing independent control of each unit while maintaining overall plant coordination. This segmentation enables specific units to be adjusted without affecting the entire plant's production strategy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic priority levels and target power set-points that can be adjusted in real-time for different power generating units. The system transitions from static, rule-based dispatching to dynamic, flexible dispatching where priority levels and target values can be changed based on operational needs, enabling adaptability while maintaining system coordination through the central controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If target power set-points are assigned to specific power generating units, then individual units can produce at desired levels, but overall plant production requirements such as grid frequency control or grid operator commands may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over individual power generating unitsVSAvoidgrid frequency control and grid operator commands compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the central controller continuously monitors the sum of target power set-points against the reference power value and adjusts individual unit targets accordingly. When the sum exceeds or falls below the reference value, the controller modifies specific unit targets to ensure compliance with overall plant production requirements, thus maintaining grid frequency control and operator command compliance while allowing individual unit flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of target power set-points dynamically based on operational requirements. Priority levels and target values are adjustable parameters that can be modified to balance individual unit control needs with overall plant compliance requirements. This parameter flexibility allows the system to meet specific production needs while ensuring grid requirements are satisfied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If power set-points are adjusted for prioritized power generating units, then specific production needs are met, but the available power adjustment margin for other units is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower production of prioritized unitsVSAvoidavailable power adjustment margin

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by assigning priority levels and target power set-points to specific units based on operational needs rather than uniformly adjusting all units. The central controller determines the appropriate level of adjustment for each unit, applying power set-point changes only where necessary to meet specific production needs while preserving the power adjustment margin for other units. This selective approach maintains overall system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12264651B2Prioritization of power set-points for power generating units in a power plant

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling power generation from a power plant which comprises power generating units such as wind turbine generators. The power generating units are controllable to produce power dependent on individual power set-points. The method comprises steps of obtaining desired target power set-points for one or more prioritized power generating units, determining final target power set-points for the one or more prioritized power generating units based on the target power set-points and an available power adjustment margin of the power plant which is available for adjustment of the power set-points of the one or more prioritized power generating units, and dispatching the final target power set-points to the prioritized power generating units.