Wind Farm Power Allocation to Avoid Turbine Tower Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible-tower wind turbines face safety risks due to resonance issues when operating near their natural frequency, which can be exacerbated by power grid adjustments, leading to frequent speed jumps or shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
Implement a power control method and apparatus that calculates an adjustable power range for each wind turbine based on its current state, allowing for targeted power allocation and speed jump operations to avoid resonance zones, thereby ensuring safety and reducing unnecessary shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diameter or wall thickness of the tower is increased to increase the tower frequency, then the resonance problem is avoided, but the cost obviously increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the wind turbine (specifically the rotational speed) to avoid the resonance frequency range, rather than changing the physical parameters of the tower structure. The control system adjusts the rotor speed to stay outside the critical speed range where tower resonance occurs, thereby avoiding the need for costly tower modifications while maintaining reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If power control is performed on the wind farm through the energy platform, then grid demands are met, but the speed of the flexible-tower wind turbine is adjusted, possibly affecting safety operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the wind turbine's rotational speed is continuously monitored, and when it approaches the resonance frequency range, the control system automatically adjusts the power output to maintain safe operation. This allows the wind farm to respond to grid demands while ensuring the turbine operates within safe speed limits
Solution Approach 2:
The control system takes preliminary action by preemptively adjusting the power output before the turbine speed reaches the dangerous resonance range. By anticipating potential unsafe conditions and acting in advance, the system prevents safety issues while maintaining grid compliance
3Reliability
If the wind turbine implements the speed jump strategy to prevent operating within the sensitive speed range, then resonance is avoided, but frequent speed jumps or shutdowns may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the wind turbine's operational parameters, allowing the turbine to flexibly adjust its rotational speed within a controlled range to avoid resonance while maintaining continuous operation. Rather than abrupt speed jumps or shutdowns, the system uses smooth, dynamic adjustments that preserve both safety and 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 solution effectively manages power fluctuations, ensuring safe operation of flexible-tower wind turbines by preventing resonance and minimizing frequent speed jumps, thus meeting grid demands while maintaining system stability.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible-tower wind turbine has a high tower, which can acquire better wind energy
Implementation Method 2
If a sweep frequency of a blade of the wind turbine is close to the natural frequency of the tower, resonance will occur
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a power control method and apparatus for a wind farm. The power control method includes: calculate an adjustable power range for each wind turbine according to a current power output state of each wind turbine in the wind farm, in response to receiving a whole-farm active power adjustment signal for the wind farm sent by a power grid; and calculate a power allocated to each wind turbine based on the adjustable power range for each wind turbine and a whole-farm target power indicated by the whole-farm active power adjustment signal, so as to generate an active power adjustment command and send the generated active power adjustment command to each wind turbine.