Local Controller for Wind Farm Grid Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Variations in wind speed and air density cause fluctuations in power output from wind farms, leading to instability in utility grids, requiring compensatory adjustments from other power plants, which can result in power deficiencies and stability issues, especially during low wind conditions or severe weather.

Innovation Solution

A local controller system is introduced within the utility grid to manage the total power output of wind farms and conventional power plants, using sensors, forecasting, and economic efficiency data to maintain a stable power supply, adjusting the output of conventional plants to compensate for wind power fluctuations and anticipate weather-related changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If wind farms are used to generate electrical power, then renewable energy production is increased, but power output stability deteriorates due to wind speed variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy productionVSAvoidpower output stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines wind farms with conventional power plants into integrated power generation systems. The control system merges the variable output of wind turbines with the adjustable output of conventional plants to produce a stable total power output, resolving the contradiction between renewable energy utilization and power stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors power output from wind farms and conventional plants, and automatically adjusts conventional plant output in response to wind power variations. This feedback mechanism maintains stable total power output despite fluctuations in renewable energy production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If power output from wind farms varies, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but grid frequency stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind power utilizationVSAvoidgrid frequency stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system monitors grid frequency and power output in real-time, and adjusts conventional plant generation to compensate for wind power variations. This feedback loop maintains grid frequency stability while maximizing wind power utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system anticipates wind power fluctuations and pre-adjusts conventional plant output to counteract expected variations, preventing grid frequency instability before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional power plants adjust output to compensate for wind farm variations, then grid power stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrid power stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs multiple functions including monitoring wind power output, predicting wind conditions, adjusting conventional plant generation, and maintaining grid frequency stability. This multi-functional approach consolidates control complexity into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If more conventional power plants are used to compensate for wind power deficiencies, then grid reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to fossil fuel consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrid reliabilityVSAvoidfossil fuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the mix of wind and conventional power generation based on real-time wind conditions and grid requirements. Conventional plants operate at optimized levels to provide reliability only when necessary, minimizing fossil fuel consumption while maintaining grid reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes operational parameters of conventional plants including output level and operating mode based on wind power availability. This allows conventional plants to operate efficiently only when needed, reducing overall fossil fuel consumption while maintaining grid reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP1959534B1Utility grid, controller, and method for controlling the power generation in a utility grid

Publication Date: 2019.10.09 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

A utility grid (100) is provided, the utility grid (100) comprising a centralized control means (110), an intermittent renewable power source (200) for generating electrical power; at least one further power generation system (300); and at least one local controller (400) for controlling the total power output of said intermittent renewable power source (200) and said at least one further power generation system (300), wherein the centralized control means (110) is connected with the at least one local controller (400) and adapted to request a desired total power output from the local controller (400).