Wind Turbine Generator PLL Control for Zero-Voltage Ride-Through

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine generators, particularly those with doubly fed induction generators, are susceptible to grid voltage fluctuations, including zero voltage transients, which can lead to system trips and damage semiconductor devices.

Innovation Solution

A phase-locked loop (PLL) regulator with a state machine is implemented to facilitate zero voltage ride through (ZVRT), allowing the generator to remain connected to the grid during zero voltage transients by dynamically adjusting gain constants and clamps based on grid voltage characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the generator remains connected to the grid during voltage transients, then system reliability is improved, but the risk of damage to semiconductor devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiddamage to semiconductor devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors grid voltage and proactively adjusts operating parameters before voltage transients occur. During anticipated or detected voltage dips, the system pre-adjusts semiconductor device operating conditions and activates protection mechanisms, allowing the generator to remain connected while preventing damage to semiconductor devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically changes operating parameters of semiconductor devices based on grid voltage conditions. During voltage transients, parameters such as switching frequencies, current limits, and duty cycles are adjusted to keep devices within safe operating ranges, enabling continuous operation without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the generator disconnects from the grid during voltage transients, then semiconductor devices are protected, but system reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of semiconductor devicesVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors grid voltage conditions and semiconductor device status, using this feedback to dynamically adjust operating parameters. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to voltage transients in real-time, maintaining both device safety and continuous grid connection through adaptive parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If traditional control systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle voltage transients deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidperformance during voltage transients
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system transitions from static to dynamic operation, continuously adapting parameters based on real-time grid conditions. The system adjusts switching frequencies, current limits, and other operating parameters dynamically during voltage transients, enabling sophisticated transient handling through computationally manageable real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3783795B2Wind turbine generator
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPANA SL
  • EP3783795B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3783795B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3783795B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control system 200 for an electrical machine is provided. The electrical machine configured to be electrically coupled to an electric power system, wherein the electric power system is configured to transmit at least one phase of electric power to and from the electrical machine, the control system facilitates the electrical machine remaining electrically connected to the electric power system during and subsequent to at least one voltage amplitude of the electric power operating outside of a predetermined range for an undetermined period of time.