Wind Turbine Frequency Support Using Adaptive Gain Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine systems experience undesirable frequency dips and are not well-suited for varying wind speeds and wind power penetration levels, leading to inefficient frequency support in power grids.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an adaptive gain function to adjust the power control reference of wind turbines, allowing for overproduction of power to transfer inertial kinetic energy to the grid, thereby reducing frequency drops and avoiding secondary dips, while optimizing performance across different wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Fast Frequency Response method is used, then power output is increased to arrest frequency change, but frequency dips (including first and second dips) occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power control reference adaptive rather than fixed. The power reference factor is dynamically adjusted based on real-time rotor speed measurements and frequency deviations, allowing the system to optimize its frequency support action continuously. This dynamic adaptation prevents excessive power extraction that would cause frequency dips while still providing sufficient support during disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring rotor speed and using it to adjust the power control reference. The measured rotor speed feeds back to the controller, which modifies the power reference factor accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that power extraction for frequency support does not exceed limits that would cause harmful frequency dips, thereby improving frequency stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed power control reference is used for frequency support, then implementation is simple, but performance varies disadvantageously under different wind speeds and penetration levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static power control reference into a dynamic one that adapts to varying wind speeds and grid conditions. The power reference factor is continuously adjusted based on measured rotor speed and frequency deviation, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across different operating conditions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying the power control reference based on its own measured rotor speed and the observed frequency deviation. This self-service capability allows the wind turbine to adapt to different wind speeds and penetration levels without external intervention, improving versatility while keeping the control architecture relatively simple.
3Reliability
If power control reference is adjusted to provide fast frequency support, then frequency response improves, but rotor speed deviates from optimal level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment of the power control reference based on real-time rotor speed measurements. As rotor speed deviates from optimal during frequency support, the power reference factor is continuously modified to account for this deviation, ensuring that frequency support effectiveness is maintained while preventing excessive speed deviation that would compromise turbine performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power control reference parameter dynamically in response to rotor speed deviations. By adjusting this key control parameter based on measured rotor speed and frequency conditions, the system optimizes the balance between providing effective frequency support and maintaining rotor speed within acceptable ranges.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive gain function improves frequency security by maintaining grid frequency within acceptable limits, reducing the need for rotor speed recovery and minimizing wind power loss, thus enhancing the stability and efficiency of frequency support.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the power control reference (also known as the power reference factor) to cause an overproduction of power by the wind turbine, the overproduction of power causing a transfer of inertial kinetic energy of the wind turbine to electrical power
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for controlling a wind turbine system connected to a power grid. The method comprises generating a wind turbine control signal based on a power control reference for controlling a power output of a wind turbine; monitoring an electrical frequency of the power grid; in response to detecting a change in the frequency in the power grid, activating a fast frequency support method comprising the steps of; adjusting the power control reference to cause an overproduction of power by the wind turbine; the overproduction of power causing a transfer of inertial kinetic energy from the wind turbine to electrical power; wherein the power control reference is determined by applying an adaptive gain function to a measurement of a difference in grid frequency from a nominal level.