Wind Power Plant Reactive Power Control by Active Power Curtailment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wind power plants face high capital costs due to the need for expensive dynamic reactive power sources like STATCOMs to meet grid code requirements, and they may fail to comply if these sources become unavailable, leading to financial penalties.
Innovation Solution
A method that controls wind power plants by curtailment of active power generation to enhance reactive power capability, allowing compliance with grid code requirements without costly compensation equipment, using a power plant controller to determine and implement the necessary curtailment of active power across wind turbine generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive dynamic reactive power sources like STATCOM are installed to meet grid code requirements, then reactive power capability is improved, but capital cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine generator is made to serve its own reactive power compensation needs by controlling its active and reactive power output directly, eliminating the need for external STATCOM equipment. The controller adjusts the WTG's power factor to provide required reactive power support during grid disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine generator is made multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously generate active power and provide reactive power compensation. The same generator and power electronics that produce active power are also used to supply reactive power, removing the need for dedicated compensation equipment.
2Reliability
If active power generation is curtailed to enhance reactive power capability, then reactive power requirement compliance is improved, but active power output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine generator operates with dynamic power factor control, continuously adjusting its active and reactive power output based on grid conditions. During normal operation, it maximizes active power; during voltage disturbances, it dynamically shifts to provide required reactive power support.
Solution Approach 2:
The power factor of the wind turbine generator is dynamically changed based on grid requirements. The controller adjusts the power factor parameter to optimize the balance between active power generation and reactive power support, enabling compliance with grid codes while maximizing energy production.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for increasing the reactive power capability of a wind power plant, in controlling a wind power plant. According to an embodiment, the method includes receiving a reactive power requirement from an electrical grid. The method further includes determining an active power generated by the wind power plant. According to an embodiment, the method includes checking if the reactive power requirement is satisfied by the wind power plant based on the active power generated by the wind power plant. The method further includes controlling the wind power plant to curtail the active power generated by the wind power plant by a curtailment amount when the reactive power requirement is not satisfied, and in response to a grid event.A corresponding wind power plant is further provided.