Wind Farm Voltage Control Using Equivalent Grid Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage control methods for wind farms struggle with stability due to reliance on local voltage measurements, leading to fluctuations in reactive power and delayed responses, especially in weak grids, which are not adequately addressed by current control strategies that require sophisticated communication systems or result in additional voltage fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A voltage control method that estimates the equivalent grid voltage based on measurements at the connection point, using an equivalent grid model to generate a stable reactive power command, thereby minimizing delays and fluctuations, and dynamically adjusts control parameters in response to changes in grid impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If voltage control is based on local voltage measurements at the connection point, then the control response is rapid and no additional control equipment is needed, but the voltage control stability deteriorates and additional voltage fluctuations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol response speedVSAvoidvoltage control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an equivalent grid voltage as an intermediary parameter that mediates between local measurements and global grid conditions. By using this intermediary representation, the system achieves both rapid local response and stable global control, resolving the contradiction between fast response and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring local voltage measurements and adjusting the reactive power command based on the equivalent grid voltage model. This feedback mechanism ensures stability while maintaining rapid response capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If sophisticated communication systems are used to connect wind farm controller to wind turbines, then rapid response can be obtained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol response speedVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential control function from complex communication systems by using only local measurements at the connection point. By taking out the unnecessary communication infrastructure and focusing on critical local data, the system achieves rapid control without sophisticated communication networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wind farm controller serves itself by using local measurements and an equivalent grid model to generate control commands, eliminating the need for external communication systems to coordinate with individual wind turbines. The system is self-sufficient with local information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If digital delays and communication delays are present in the control system, then the system is easier to implement, but voltage fluctuations and reactive power fluctuations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system implementation easeVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by calculating the equivalent grid voltage model in advance based on local measurements. This pre-computed model compensates for digital and communication delays, allowing the system to maintain stability despite implementation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2236820B1Voltage control method and system for a power generation plant and wind farm
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 ACCIONA WINDPOWER
  • EP2236820B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2236820B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2236820B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention relates to a voltage control method for a power generation plant, which generates reactive power according to the evolution of voltage, in such a way that it contributes to stabilise the grid voltage, the voltage control system that comprises the abovementioned voltage control method and the wind farm comprising said control system. In accordance with this method the equivalent grid voltage is estimated (VGrid) based on the electric magnitudes measured at the connection point of the power generation plant (VSub, Pglobal, Qglobal, Iglobal, cos fi), and an equivalent model of the power grid to which the power generation plant is connected; and on the basis of said calculated equivalent voltage (VGrid) a command is generated (Qref) indicative of the reactive power to be produced by the power generation plant.