Wind Power Plant Control Using Variable Filter Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind power plants face delays in reacting to output derate instructions and experience production losses due to outdated maximum allowed output power settings, which can lead to increased loads on components and inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling wind power plants that involves using different filter characteristics based on the comparison between desired and actual power reference signals, allowing for immediate reaction to derate instructions by setting maximum power setpoints to the nominal or available power of wind turbines, depending on the situation, while minimizing production losses and component loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the maximum power setpoint is set to the nominal power of the wind turbine, then the wind turbine can produce maximum power when available, but there is a delay before the wind turbine can reduce its output power when derate instructions are sent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the maximum power setpoint adjustable and variable rather than fixed at nominal power. The control system dynamically adapts the setpoint based on whether derate instructions are active, switching between nominal power mode and available power mode to optimize both productivity and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of maximum power setpoint from a constant nominal value to a variable value that can be set to either nominal power or available power depending on grid conditions and derate instructions. This parameter change enables the system to resolve the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and achieving fast response to derate commands.
2Loss of time
If the maximum power setpoint is set to the available power of the wind turbine, then the wind turbine reacts immediately to derate instructions, but production is lost due to power setpoints not being updated when wind speed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: when derate instructions are active, it uses available power as the setpoint for immediate response; when no derate instructions are active, it switches to nominal power mode to maximize productivity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fast response and high production.
Solution Approach 2:
The maximum power setpoint parameter is changed from a fixed available power value to a conditional parameter that can take either nominal power or available power as its value. This parameter flexibility allows the system to optimize for response time when needed and for productivity when conditions permit.
3Loss of time
If the maximum power setpoint is set to the available power of the wind turbine, then derate instructions are followed quickly, but increased loads are induced on components of the wind turbines
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the maximum power setpoint based on operational conditions. By using nominal power as the default setpoint and only switching to available power when derate instructions are explicitly active, the system achieves fast response when necessary while avoiding unnecessary stress on components during normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a wind power plant comprising a plurality of wind turbines being operatively connected to a plant collector grid, the method comprising the steps of providing a desired power reference signal; determining the power production of the wind power plant, and generating an actual power reference signal in response thereto; comparing the desired power reference signal with the actual power reference signal, and performing one of the following steps: 1) applying a first filter characteristic as part of a generation of a wind turbine power reference if the desired power reference signal exceeds the actual power reference signal; or 2) applying a second filter characteristic as part of the generation of the wind turbine power reference if the actual power reference signal exceeds the desired power reference signal, wherein the first filter characteristic is different from the second filter characteristic. The invention also relates to a power plant controller, a wind power plant and a computer program product.