Wind Farm Flicker Control Through Turbine De-Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind farms experience output flicker due to unintentional synchronization of wind turbines, which can lead to undesirable low-frequency voltage variations on the power grid, violating grid connection requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a farm controller to detect flicker parameters, generate a command offset to alter operating parameters of wind turbines, and de-synchronize rotor positions to prevent synchronized flicker, thereby ensuring stable grid output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbines operate with synchronized rotor positions to maximize power generation, then productivity is improved, but output flicker occurs causing voltage variations on the power grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotor position of at least one wind turbine based on real-time detection of flicker parameters. The farm controller continuously monitors output signals and modifies operational parameters to de-synchronize rotors when flicker is detected, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the farm controller detects flicker parameters in the combined output signal from multiple wind turbines and generates control signals to adjust rotor positions. This closed-loop control ensures that productivity is maintained while preventing harmful flicker effects on the power grid through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
2Power
If wind turbine outputs are synchronized for efficient power delivery, then power output is improved, but voltage variations occur on the power grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotor position of at least one wind turbine based on real-time detection of flicker parameters. The farm controller continuously monitors output signals and modifies operational parameters to de-synchronize rotors when flicker is detected, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the farm controller detects flicker parameters in the combined output signal from multiple wind turbines and generates control signals to adjust rotor positions. This closed-loop control ensures that productivity is maintained while preventing harmful flicker effects on the power grid through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rotor positions are de-synchronized to prevent flicker, then voltage stability is improved, but power generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial de-synchronization by adjusting the rotor position of only at least one wind turbine rather than all turbines. This selective adjustment is sufficient to break the synchronicity and eliminate flicker while minimizing the impact on overall power generation efficiency, as most turbines continue to operate in their optimal positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotor position of at least one wind turbine based on real-time detection of flicker parameters. The farm controller continuously monitors output signals and modifies operational parameters to de-synchronize rotors when flicker is detected, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining overall productivity.
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
The system effectively manages output flicker by de-synchronizing wind turbine outputs, preventing flicker in the combined power grid delivery, thus meeting grid connection standards.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor blades capture kinetic energy of wind using known airfoil principles. For example, rotor blades typically have the cross-sectional profile of an airfoil such that, during operation, air flows over the blade producing a pressure difference between the sides. Consequently, a lift force, which is directed from a pressure side towards a suction side, acts on the blade.
Implementation Method 2
Rotational energy is converted into electrical energy through electromagnetic fields coupling the rotor and the stator, which is supplied to a power grid via a grid breaker.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are provided for managing flicker generated by a wind farm. Accordingly, the farm controller detects at least one parameter of the wind farm indicative of an output flicker resulting from a synchronized flicker of at least two turbines of the plurality of wind turbines. Upon detecting the parameter, the farm controller generates a command offset for at least one wind turbine of the at least two wind turbines. An operating parameter of the at least one wind turbine is changed based on the command offset so as to de-synchronize the synchronized flicker in the output signals of the at least two wind turbines.