Wind Park Power Control via Frequency Signal Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind farm control methods require complex and expensive communication networks to link higher-level control with lower-level turbine controls, especially in larger setups, increasing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method where a wind farm control unit transmits a default power value to system control units, allowing each unit to calculate and regulate power based on a power gradient, reducing the need for complex communication and using a common wind farm default value, which can be transmitted via simple means like ripple control signals, and utilizing converters to manage AC voltage frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fast communication network is constructed to link higher-level control with lower-level turbine controls, then effective power regulation is achieved, but costs and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower regulation effectivenessVSAvoidcommunication network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a frequency signal as an intermediary carrier to transmit power gradient information. Instead of directly communicating control commands between the central control unit and individual turbine control units, the system uses the frequency of electrical signals as a mediator. The central unit transmits a default frequency value that encodes the power gradient, and each turbine's control unit decodes this frequency information to determine its own power gradient, eliminating the need for complex direct communication links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Each turbine control unit is equipped with the capability to independently decode the frequency signal and calculate its own power gradient based on the received default frequency value and its measured actual power. This self-service approach allows distributed control without requiring continuous centralized command transmission, reducing communication complexity while maintaining effective power regulation across the wind farm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a fast communication network is constructed to link higher-level control with lower-level turbine controls, then effective power regulation is achieved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower regulation effectivenessVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency signal serves as a low-cost intermediary that carries control information through existing electrical infrastructure. By encoding power gradient information in the frequency domain of electrical signals already present in the system, the patent avoids the need for separate expensive communication channels, utilizing the existing power transmission infrastructure for dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical signal infrastructure serves multiple functions: it both transmits power and carries control information through frequency modulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated communication infrastructure, significantly reducing costs while maintaining effective control capability across the wind farm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a common wind farm default value is transmitted to all system control units, then communication complexity is reduced, but individual system optimization may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication system complexityVSAvoidindividual system adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

While the default frequency value is common to all turbines, each control unit applies local quality by calculating its own specific power gradient based on the default value combined with its locally measured actual power. This allows each turbine to optimize its individual operation according to its specific conditions while still receiving coordinated control from the central unit through the common frequency signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control information is segmented into two parts: a common default frequency value transmitted by the central unit, and local power measurements taken by each turbine. This segmentation allows the system to combine centralized coordination with decentralized optimization, reducing communication complexity while maintaining individual system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2324551B1Power control for a wind park
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2324551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2324551B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2324551B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a safe and economical method for controlling the power emitted by a wind park (1). Said wind park comprises wind energy plants (2) which are electrically interconnected by means of a wind park network (5) wherein a wind park control unit (13) transmits a wind park predetermined value to plant control units (12) which are respectively provided for controlling a wind energy plant (2). Said plant system control units (12) control the respectively associated wind energy plants (2) in such a manner that the system power PI transmitted by the respective wind energy plant (2) to the wind park network (5) is less than the maximum power Pmax, of the plant derived from the wind park predetermined value. As a result, all plant control units (12) obtain the same wind park predetermined value and each plant control unit (12) determines the maximum power of the plant Pmax, based on the wind park predetermined value and based on a measured plant power PI which corresponds to the power produced by the associated wind energy plant (2) and controls the respectively associated wind energy plant (2) such that the power of the plant PI is less than the maximum power of the plant Pmax.