Wind Turbine Black Start Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines lack the capability for 'black starting,' which is essential for grid recovery and operation during outages, and face issues with high charge currents and transient overvoltages due to long cables with large electrical capacitance during connection to the grid.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine system with an electric generation system, a control system, and energy providing and dissipative elements that allow for controlled start-up and operation without a grid signal, using energy storage and dissipative components to balance power and synchronize with the grid, enabling black-start capability and safe energization of long cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If wind turbines are connected to the grid using long cables with large electrical capacitance, then the wind turbine can transmit power over long distances, but instantaneous transfer of high charge currents and transient over voltages occur during connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the cable capacitance through a controlled charging circuit before full power connection. The system gradually charges the cable from zero voltage to full operating voltage through controlled steps, preventing instantaneous high charge currents. This preparatory charging action eliminates the harmful inrush current that would occur during direct connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter gradually during connection rather than applying full voltage instantaneously. The control system adjusts the voltage parameter from 0V to full operating voltage through controlled increments, transforming the abrupt connection into a gradual process. This parameter change approach prevents transient over voltages and high charge currents while maintaining the ability to connect over long distances.
2Reliability
If wind turbines require grid signal for start-up, then the control system can synchronize with the grid, but the wind turbine cannot operate during grid outages or provide black start capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the wind turbine to start and control itself without external grid signal during black start conditions. The control system uses local sensors and embedded logic to autonomously manage the start-up sequence, rotor speed control, and grid synchronization without requiring grid voltage signals. This self-service capability allows the turbine to provide black start assistance to the grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control system adaptable to different operating modes - it can operate with grid signal during normal conditions and without grid signal during black start conditions. The control system dynamically switches between grid-synchronized mode and autonomous black start mode, providing versatility and reliability across different grid availability scenarios.
3Productivity
If wind turbines are started at full voltage, then power generation can begin immediately, but high charge currents and transient over voltages are generated due to cable capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing controlled charging of the cable capacitance before full power generation begins. The system executes a pre-charging sequence that gradually builds voltage on the cable from zero to operating level, eliminating the need for high charge currents. This preliminary charging action enables subsequent full power operation without harmful transients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed or stepped voltage application during the charging phase rather than continuous full voltage. The control system applies voltage in controlled periods or steps, allowing the cable capacitance to charge gradually. This periodic charging approach prevents instantaneous high currents while still achieving full power generation capability.
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
Enables the wind turbine to start and operate independently of the grid, manage power balance during fluctuations, and gradually connect to the grid, preventing excessive charge currents and ensuring stable operation, allowing for strategic placement in outage recovery and autonomous grid operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy providing element and at least one energy dissipative element for providing a balance between an output of the wind turbine and the electric signal of the grid during the start-up
Implementation Method 2
at least one energy providing element and at least one energy dissipative element for providing a balance between an output of the wind turbine and the electric signal of the grid during the start-up
Implementation Method 3
an electric generation system for producing electricity by operation of the wind
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine having features for black-starting includes an electric generation system for producing electricity by operation of the wind and comprising an interface for providing the electricity to an electric grid; a control system for controlling components of the wind turbine during start-up of the electric generation system, wherein start-up occurs during a deficient electric signal of the grid; and at least one energy providing element and at least one energy dissipative element for providing a balance between an output of the wind turbine and the electric signal of the grid. Methods and computer program products for operation of the wind turbine call for, among other things, synchronization of electric signals and control of components within the wind turbine.