Transformer Passive Compensation for Wind Plant Reactive Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind power plants face challenges in efficiently providing reactive power to the power system, limiting the voltage control capabilities and increasing losses due to the constraints of wind turbine power converters and transformer turns ratios.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of passive devices connected to transformers to dynamically control reactive power, allowing for efficient ramping between maximum reactive import and export, thereby optimizing the operation of wind turbines and power systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reactive power is provided by wind turbine power converters, then voltage control capability is improved, but current headroom is reduced and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reactive power provision function is segmented between two independent components: the wind turbine power converter and the passive device (reactor or capacitor). This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal range, with the passive device handling bulk reactive power compensation and the converter providing fine-tuned control, thereby reducing converter current headroom requirements and minimizing losses
Solution Approach 2:
A passive device (reactor or capacitor) is introduced as an intermediary component between the wind turbine and the power system. This intermediary provides reactive power compensation without requiring current headroom from the converter, enabling voltage control while preserving converter current capacity for active power transmission and reducing overall system losses
2Adaptability or versatility
If transformer turns ratio is adjusted to change nominal voltage, then reactive power range is modified, but device complexity and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static transformer turns ratio adjustment to dynamic reactive power compensation using controllable passive devices. The passive devices can be dynamically switched in and out based on real-time reactive power requirements, providing adaptability without the mechanical complexity of adjusting transformer turns ratios
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the transformer turns ratio to adjust reactive power range, the system changes the reactive power parameter by switching passive devices (reactors or capacitors) with different reactance values. This approach provides flexible parameter adjustment while maintaining the transformer in its optimal fixed ratio state
3Power
If maximum PWM voltage is used for reactive power export, then reactive power capability is improved, but adaptive control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Passive devices are pre-configured with specific reactance values and switched in advance based on predicted or required reactive power levels. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for different operating conditions without requiring real-time adjustment of converter PWM voltage, enhancing both reactive power capability and adaptive control
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 method enables efficient dynamic control of reactive power, reducing losses and enhancing voltage control capabilities by utilizing passive devices to adjust reactive power contributions, thus improving the overall efficiency of wind power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The passive device may be a capacitor or an inductor
Implementation Method 2
a transmission apparatus including one or more transformers
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transmitting reactive power between at least one wind turbine and a power system through a transformer connected between the at least one wind turbine and the power system, the wind turbine including a power converter. The method includes a second step of connecting at least one passive device to the transformer and reducing or increasing a reactive power of the power converter of an amount corresponding to the reactive contribution from the passive device.