Wind Farm Grid Parameter Estimation via Mathematical Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control systems for wind farms are unable to determine electrical grid parameter values such as grid resistance, reactance, and voltage, especially when assuming an infinite bus size, which limits their ability to effectively manage electrical output and meet utility requirements.

Innovation Solution

A control system and method that utilizes a measurement device to measure electrical parameters at the point of interconnection between the wind farm and the grid, and a main controller to estimate grid parameters using mathematical equations and algorithms, allowing for the calculation of desired power commands to adjust wind turbine operations and achieve synchronization with the grid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional control systems are used to manage wind farm electrical output, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot determine grid parameter values such as resistance, reactance, and voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid parameter determination capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a parameter estimation module as an intermediary component between the measurement device and the control system. This module uses mathematical models and algorithms to estimate grid parameters (resistance, reactance, voltage) based on measured electrical quantities, enabling the control system to obtain grid parameter information without directly measuring them, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct physical measurement of grid parameters with computational estimation methods. Instead of using complex measurement hardware to directly obtain resistance, reactance, and voltage values, the system uses software-based parameter estimation algorithms that process readily available electrical measurements to derive the required grid parameters, reducing hardware complexity while improving measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control system cannot determine grid parameter values, then the system structure remains simple, but the wind farm cannot effectively adjust output to meet utility requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput adjustment capabilityVSAvoidgrid parameter information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the parameter estimation module continuously estimates grid parameters and feeds this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts wind farm output based on this feedback, enabling adaptive control that responds to changing grid conditions. This closed-loop feedback structure resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary grid parameter information for effective output adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary parameter estimation to obtain grid resistance, reactance, and voltage values before the wind farm adjusts its output. By having this grid parameter information available in advance, the control system can proactively adjust wind farm output to meet utility requirements, rather than reacting to problems after they occur, thus improving adaptability while managing information availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1841037B1System, method, and article of manufacture for determining parameter values associated with an electrical grid
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP1841037B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1841037B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1841037B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system, method, and article of manufacture for determining parameter values associated with an electrical grid (12) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The electrical grid has a point of interconnection (19) where the electrical grid is electrically coupled to a power source. The method includes measuring real power at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of real power values. The method further includes measuring reactive power at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of reactive power values. The method further includes measuring a voltage at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of voltage values. The method further includes estimating at least one parameter value associated with the electrical grid utilizing the plurality of real power values, the plurality of reactive power values, and the plurality of voltage values, and a mathematical estimation technique.