Wind Turbine Boost and Regulation Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine generators face challenges in predictably delivering power and regulating grid frequency due to natural wind variations, leading to complexity and high operational costs in managing structural loads during boost power production, which limits their ability to provide stable power output.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement that operates a boost group of wind turbine generators to produce a boosted power output independently of demand changes, with a separate regulation group adjusting power production set points to meet demand, allowing for one-shot boosting and periodic updates, thereby simplifying the control system and managing structural loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbine generators operate to provide boosted power output in response to demand changes, then power delivery capability is improved, but structural loads and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent groups: a boost group that provides boosted power output in response to demand changes, and a regulation group that maintains predictable power delivery. This segmentation allows each group to have simplified, dedicated control logic rather than one complex control system managing all functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the composition and power output of the boost and regulation groups based on real-time wind conditions and power demand. The controller periodically updates group assignments and power setpoints, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining simplified control within each group
2Productivity
If wind turbine generators provide boosted power output, then power delivery is improved, but structural loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the boost group from the regulation group, the patent distributes structural loads across different turbine generators. The boost group turbines accept higher loads during boosting operations, while regulation group turbines maintain stable, predictable loads, preventing any single turbine from consistently experiencing excessive stress
Solution Approach 2:
The controller periodically updates the composition of boost and regulation groups and adjusts power setpoints based on accumulated operational data and wind conditions. This periodic reassignment allows turbines to alternate between boost and regulation roles, distributing cumulative structural loads more evenly across the wind farm over time
3Reliability
If control system manages boost power production with tight regulation, then power output stability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent control loops: one for the boost group and one for the regulation group. Each control loop has simplified logic focused on its specific function, avoiding the complexity of a single unified control system trying to manage both boosting and regulation simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The boost group operates with relatively simple control logic that responds to demand signals, while the regulation group automatically adjusts to compensate for variations in boost power production. This self-regulating mechanism maintains overall power output stability without requiring complex coordination between all turbines
4Adaptability or versatility
If wind conditions vary naturally, then renewable energy generation is improved, but predictability of power delivery worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dedicated regulation group whose sole function is to provide predictable power delivery and compensate for variations in wind conditions. This separation allows the boost group to fully exploit variable wind conditions for maximum renewable generation, while the regulation group ensures stable, predictable output to meet contractual obligations
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors power production from both groups and adjusts regulation group setpoints based on actual boost group output and forecasted wind conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain predictable overall power delivery despite natural variations in wind conditions affecting the boost group
Data Source
AI summary
A method, control arrangement, and wind power plant (WPP) comprising a plurality of wind turbine generators (WTGs) are disclosed. The method includes operating, responsive to a received power demand corresponding to the WPP, a boost group of one or more WTGs of the plurality of WTGs to begin producing a boosted power output, wherein the boosted power output of each of the one or more WTGs of the boost group is regulated independent of the power demand. The method further includes determining, based on a measured amount of boosted power production, power production set points for a regulation group of one or more different WTGs of the plurality of WTGs to thereby meet the power demand.