Wind Turbine Backup Power Architecture for Grid Loss Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine systems face challenges in providing reliable backup power during grid losses, requiring large and costly external power supplies like diesel generators, especially for offshore installations.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine system incorporating an internal backup power supply and an external power supply that can charge the internal backup while it supplies power to the main power line, optimizing energy use and potentially reducing the size and cost of external power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large external power supplies (diesel generators >100kVA) are used to meet auxiliary system power demands during grid loss, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple functional units: internal back-up power supply for critical auxiliary systems, external power supply for non-critical systems, and a controller that manages power distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the size and complexity of the external power supply while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the internal back-up power supply, external power supply, and auxiliary systems. It intelligently manages power distribution, determining when to use stored energy from the back-up supply versus when to draw from the external supply, thereby optimizing the sizing of external power supplies needed.
2Power
If large external power supplies are used to meet peak power demands, then power availability is improved, but transport and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system transitions from a static, oversized external power supply to a dynamic system that adjusts power delivery based on real-time needs. The controller dynamically switches between internal back-up and external power supplies, allowing the external supply to be smaller and more easily transported while still meeting peak demands through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy is pre-stored in the internal back-up power supply during normal operation when grid power is available. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to immediately respond to grid failures without requiring a large external power supply to be present and operational at the moment of failure, reducing transport and installation requirements.
3Duration of action of moving object
If large internal back-up power supplies are used to extend operation duration during grid loss, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the internal back-up power supply with the external power supply into a coordinated hybrid system. The controller integrates both power sources, allowing the internal back-up supply to be smaller since it only needs to cover critical systems during the transition period, while the external supply provides sustained power for non-critical systems, extending overall operation duration without requiring a large internal back-up supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal back-up power supply serves multiple functions: it provides immediate power during grid failure for critical systems, charges from the external power supply when available, and acts as a buffer to smooth power transitions. This multi-functionality allows a smaller back-up supply to achieve extended operation duration.
4Reliability
If diesel generators are used as external power supplies, then power availability is improved, but environmental harm and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the external power supply by using it intermittently rather than continuously, and primarily for non-critical loads. The controller adjusts when the external supply operates based on grid availability and system needs, reducing overall emissions while maintaining power availability. This also allows consideration of alternative external power sources with lower environmental impact.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wind turbines systems comprising a main power supply line for supplying power to wind turbine components, an internal back-up power supply and a first converter configured to convert power from the internal back-up power supply and provide power to the main power supply line. The wind turbine systems further comprise an external power supply configured to provide power to the main power supply line, and an external power supply switch arranged between the external power supply and the main power supply line. The external power supply is further configured to provide power to the internal back-up power supply. The present disclosure also relates to methods for providing power supply to a main power supply line of a wind turbine system.