Wind Turbine Cable Temperature Control for Overrating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines in power plants often fail to reach their rated output due to shut-downs for maintenance or suboptimal wind conditions, and boosting output is limited by the risk of overheating power collection cables, which can lead to thermal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling wind turbines that generates an overrating control signal, measures cable temperature using sensors, and modifies the signal to reduce output if temperatures exceed a set point, allowing for increased power production within safe temperature limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power output of wind turbines is boosted to increase total plant output, then productivity increases, but cable temperature rises causing thermal degradation and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where cable temperature sensors continuously monitor the actual temperature of power collection cables. This temperature data is fed back to the control system, which then adjusts the overrating control signals sent to wind turbines. When cable temperature approaches the maximum allowable temperature, the system automatically reduces the overrating level, preventing thermal degradation while maximizing power output within safe operating limits.
2Reliability
If cable temperature limits are strictly enforced to prevent thermal degradation, then cable reliability is maintained, but power output is restricted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the overrating level based on real-time cable temperature conditions rather than applying static temperature limits. The control system continuously monitors cable temperature and modulates the overrating control signals to wind turbines, allowing the power output to vary dynamically within safe temperature boundaries. This dynamic approach maximizes productivity while maintaining cable reliability by adapting to changing thermal conditions.
3Reliability
If safety margins are applied to cable temperature estimates to prevent overheating, then cable reliability is protected, but measurement precision is reduced and unnecessary power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces estimated cable temperature calculations with direct physical measurement using cable temperature sensors. Instead of relying on mathematical models that require safety margins to account for uncertainties, the system uses actual temperature measurements from sensors embedded in or near the cables. This substitution of measurement-based control for estimation-based control eliminates the need for conservative safety margins, improving both measurement precision and power output while maintaining cable reliability.
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 increased power output without risking cable overheating, as adjustments are made based on actual temperature measurements rather than estimates, eliminating the need for safety margins and allowing for more efficient operation within cable rating limitations.
Implementation Method 1
measuring cable temperature values for at least one power collection cable connected to the wind turbine using at least one cable temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
Heat is generated as a function of the electric current passing through the cable core
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and control system comprising at least one cable temperature sensor for measuring cable temperature values for at least one power collection cable (50, 55) connected to a wind turbine (20) and a controller (110) arranged to generate and output an overrating control signal to the wind turbine (20). The output overrating control signal sets an amount by which the power output of the wind turbine (20) is to be overrated. It is determined whether the measured cable temperature values exceed a temperature set point and modifying the overrating control signal to reduce the amount of overrating if the temperature set point is exceeded.