Wind Turbine Drivetrain Damping Control for Grid Transients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face challenges in maintaining operation and mechanical load management during multiple low-voltage ride through events, leading to potential disconnection from the grid and mechanical overload.
Innovation Solution
A method for a wind turbine power generation system that selects between different drivetrain damping control settings based on the occurrence of single or multiple grid transient events, prioritizing power performance during the first event and reducing mechanical loads for subsequent events, using a drivetrain damping algorithm to adjust controller gains and limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a controller configuration provides acceptable power response performance during low voltage ride through events, then power performance is improved, but mechanical loads may be exceeded causing wind turbine tripping
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts drivetrain damping settings based on the detected sequence of grid transient events. For a first transient event, the controller applies first drivetrain damping settings that prioritize power response performance. When a second transient event occurs within a threshold time period, the controller switches to second drivetrain damping settings that prioritize mechanical load management. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for power performance during single events while preventing mechanical overload during multiple events.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine remains connected to the grid during low voltage ride through events, then grid compliance is improved, but mechanical loads may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a predictive mechanism by monitoring for multiple transient events within a threshold time period. When a first transient event is detected, the controller prepares to switch to more conservative drivetrain damping settings in anticipation of potential second transient events. This preliminary adjustment of damping settings before the second event occurs prevents mechanical load exceedance while maintaining grid connection, thus preserving both grid compliance and mechanical integrity.
3Productivity
If drivetrain damping settings are optimized for power performance during the first transient event, then power output is improved, but the wind turbine may trip during subsequent events
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs feedback by continuously monitoring grid transient events and detecting their sequences. When a first transient event occurs, the controller applies drivetrain damping settings optimized for power performance. The controller then monitors for additional transient events within a threshold time period. Upon detecting a second transient event, the feedback mechanism triggers a switch to alternative drivetrain damping settings that prioritize continuous operation. This feedback-driven adaptation ensures the wind turbine maintains continuous operation during multiple events while preserving power performance during single events.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a power generation system having a drivetrain connected to an electrical grid during one or more grid transient events includes receiving an indication of the one or more grid transient events occurring in the electrical grid. The method also includes selecting between a first set of drivetrain damping control settings or a different, set second set of drivetrain damping control settings based on the indication. The first set of drivetrain damping control settings is for handling a single, first grid transient event, whereas the second set of drivetrain damping control settings is for handling additional, subsequent grid transient events following the first transient event. The method also includes controlling the power generation system based on the selected first or second sets of the drivetrain damping control settings such that the power generation system can remain connected to the electrical grid during the grid transient event(s).