Wind Turbine Power Plant Controller Grid Communication Fault Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication failures between grid meters and controllers in wind power plants hinder the effective control of wind turbine generators to meet electrical requirements, as they struggle to produce desired active or reactive power outputs.
Innovation Solution
A power plant controller is configured with a reference control system that can reconfigure itself to determine setpoints independently of faulty electrical grid values by using alternative values from backup meters or historical data, ensuring robustness and continued operation even during communication faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the control system uses measured electrical grid values from the grid meter to determine setpoints, then the power output accuracy and electrical requirements compliance are improved, but the system reliability deteriorates when communication faults occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing historical grid values and preparing alternative calculation methods before communication faults occur. When communication is lost, the controller can immediately switch to using stored data and alternative calculations without interruption, thus maintaining reliability while preserving measurement precision through proactive preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary by introducing alternative methods (historical data, calculated estimates) that mediate between the loss of direct grid measurements and the need for continuous accurate control. This intermediary approach ensures the control system maintains functionality and accuracy even when direct communication with the grid meter fails.
2Speed
If the system relies on continuous communication with the grid meter for real-time measurements, then the control responsiveness is improved, but the loss of information increases when communication faults occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining buffers of historical grid values and preparing alternative data sources in advance. When communication faults occur, these pre-prepared cushions prevent information loss and allow the system to continue operating with cached data, thus cushioning against the harmful effect of communication interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor communication status and automatically switch between primary (real-time grid meter data) and alternative (historical data, calculations) information sources. This feedback loop ensures continuous information availability by detecting communication losses and responding by activating alternative data paths.
3Reliability
If the reference control system is reconfigured to operate independently of grid meter communication, then the system robustness is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lack of real-time grid data
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the control architecture adaptable and reconfigurable. The reference control system can dynamically switch between operating modes: using real-time grid meter data when communication is available, and transitioning to independent operation using historical data and alternative calculations when communication fails. This dynamic reconfiguration maintains both robustness and precision across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by transitioning between different data sources and calculation methods. When communication is lost, the system changes from using real-time measured grid values to using historical values and calculated estimates, thereby maintaining setpoint determination accuracy through parameter substitution while preserving system robustness through independent operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a power plant controller for controlling wind turbine generators. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for compensating data obtained from measurements at a connection point to the grid in case of a communication failure where communication of such data is lost or becomes unreliable. The measured data are used in the power plant controller for determining setpoints for controlling the wind turbine generators' production of active and reactive power. In response to detection of a communication fault a new setpoint is determined independently of new measured grid data by reconfiguring parts of the power plant controller.