Switchable Wind Turbine Converter Module for Grid Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power classes of electrical energy generators, particularly in wind turbines, lead to size constraints due to limited nacelle sizes and complex grid requirements, necessitating larger power electronics to meet network operator demands, such as voltage dips.
Innovation Solution
A power converter for wind turbines featuring a switchable converter module with converters that can operate as both rectifiers and inverters, connected via a DC link, allowing dynamic switching between functions to adapt to varying operating conditions, reducing the need for multiple dedicated rectifiers and inverters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a battery is designed to serve both as a starting battery and a traction battery, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the battery must be oversized to handle both functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality switching where the battery system can operate in different modes (starting battery mode, traction battery mode, or combined mode) based on real-time power requirements. The control system dynamically adjusts the operating state of the battery to optimize performance for the current task, allowing a single battery to adaptively serve multiple functions without requiring permanent oversizing for all scenarios simultaneously
2Quantity of substance
If a single battery serves dual purposes, then the number of batteries is reduced, but the battery capacity must be increased to handle peak demands of both functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or sequential operation patterns where the battery alternates between serving as a starting battery and a traction battery based on operational phases. During vehicle startup, the battery provides high current for the starter motor; during normal operation, it switches to providing steady power for traction. This time-based functional separation allows the battery to meet peak demands of each function sequentially rather than requiring simultaneous capacity for both peak loads
3Device complexity
If the battery operates in both starting and traction modes, then component count is reduced, but the discharge current requirements become more complex to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control system that continuously monitors battery state (charge level, temperature, current output) and provides feedback to adjust discharge current in real-time. The control unit receives signals about the vehicle's power needs and battery condition, then dynamically regulates the discharge current to prevent overloading and ensure optimal performance across different operating modes. This closed-loop control simplifies the management of complex discharge requirements by automating the adjustment process
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
This design allows the power converter to meet diverse network requirements with a smaller form factor, saving up to 10% of power electronics and enabling flexible operation modes like STATCOM, noise-optimized, power boost, and extended Q-control, while maintaining high efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack for an electric vehicle, wherein the battery pack comprises a number of battery modules connected in parallel, wherein at least one of the battery modules comprises a number of battery cells connected in series
Implementation Method 2
a current distribution bar for distributing a current from the number of battery modules, wherein the current distribution bar has a first connection to the number of battery modules
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a power converter (200), in particular of a wind energy installation for feeding electrical power into an electrical supply network, at least comprising: a multiplicity of rectifiers (210) which are connected to a first AC voltage network (125) in order to convert a first AC voltage into a DC voltage, a DC voltage intermediate circuit (220) which is connected to the multiplicity of rectifiers and is configured to carry the DC voltage, and a multiplicity of inverters (230) which are connected to the DC voltage intermediate circuit and to a second AC voltage network (126) in order to convert the DC voltage into second AC voltage, and a switchable converter module (240), at least comprising: a converter (242) connected to the DC voltage intermediate circuit (220) and a switching unit (244) which is connected to the converter, can be connected to the first and the second AC voltage network and can be connected to the first AC voltage network such that the converter is in the form of a rectifier and can be connected to the second AC voltage network such that the converter is in the form of an inverter.