Wind Turbine Curtailement Selection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for curtailment of wind turbine output in wind parks require all turbines to reduce power, leading to increased maintenance costs and inefficiencies, as all turbines are uniformly curtailed regardless of their individual capabilities and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selectively curtailment of wind turbine generators in a wind park by dynamically or statically selecting a subset of turbines based on non-spatial criteria such as curtailment priority, environmental conditions, and operational characteristics, allowing for targeted reduction of power output to maintain a wind reserve while minimizing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all wind turbines are uniformly curtailed to provide wind reserve, then the wind reserve is provided, but maintenance costs increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating curtailment actions across individual turbines based on their specific conditions. Instead of uniform curtailment, the system selectively curtails only certain turbines that are less critical to grid stability, identified through analysis of turbine age, location, and operational characteristics. This localized approach reduces unnecessary maintenance on turbines that don't need curtailment while still providing the required wind reserve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wind park into individual turbine units with distinct curtailment priorities. By dividing the collective curtailment task into individual turbine decisions, the system can optimize which specific turbines are curtailed based on multiple factors including turbine age, location relative to other turbines, and historical performance data. This segmentation enables differentiated maintenance schedules and reduces overall maintenance costs.
2Reliability
If all wind turbines are uniformly curtailed to provide wind reserve, then the wind reserve is provided, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by assigning different curtailment priorities to different turbines based on their individual characteristics. Turbines located in areas with higher wind variability or those with older components are prioritized for curtailment, while newer, more reliable turbines maintain higher output. This localized differentiation optimizes operational efficiency by keeping critical turbines running at full capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic curtailment priorities that adjust in real-time based on changing conditions. The system continuously monitors turbine performance, weather conditions, and grid requirements, dynamically reassigning curtailment priorities as needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and maintain optimal efficiency while providing the required wind reserve.
3Ease of operation
If uniform curtailment is applied to all turbines, then implementation is simple, but individual turbine capabilities and conditions are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of curtailment priority from a uniform value to variable values based on multiple turbine-specific parameters. The system evaluates each turbine's age, location, historical performance, and environmental conditions to assign appropriate curtailment priorities. This parameter-based approach maintains operational simplicity through automated decision-making while achieving individual turbine optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling turbines to effectively 'select' their own curtailment status based on their inherent characteristics. The automated evaluation process uses turbine data to determine which units should be curtailed, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention while optimizing individual turbine performance based on their specific capabilities and conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method of selecting wind turbine generators in a wind park for curtailment of output power to provide a wind reserve comprises providing a wind park comprised of a plurality n of wind turbines each having an individual possible power output and the wind park has a combined possible power output of X, where X comprises a summation of the individual possible power output of the n wind turbines; setting a power setpoint Y for the wind park, wherein Y≦X and X−Y comprises a wind reserve; selecting, on a non-spatial basis, n−1 or fewer wind turbines from the wind park for power output curtailment; and curtailing power output of one or more of the selected n−1 or fewer wind turbines such that a total power output of the wind park comprises Y.