Wind Turbine Power Control via Dynamic Thermal Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control systems for wind turbines and wind farms face energy losses due to limiters that prevent power or torque from exceeding maximum values, leading to suboptimal energy production and potential component overload.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that calculates and regulates average power over a configurable time interval, allowing temporary exceedance of stationary limits while ensuring component safety, and compensates for periods below rated limits by adjusting operating parameters such as maximum instantaneous power, torque, or pitch angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If limiters are applied in regulation loops to prevent power or torque from exceeding maximum values, then component safety is ensured, but energy production is reduced due to frequent limiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power limits that adapt to actual component thermal states rather than using fixed stationary limits. The control system continuously monitors component temperatures and adjusts the maximum allowable power in real-time, allowing the system to operate closer to actual safety boundaries and reduce unnecessary energy limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of power limits from fixed stationary values to dynamic values based on thermal conditions. By calculating time-varying power limits according to component temperature and thermal capacity, the system optimizes the balance between safety and energy production.
2Reliability
If stationary power limits are applied to prevent component overload, then component integrity is maintained, but thermal capacity is underutilized leading to energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal assessment by monitoring component temperatures and predicting thermal capacity availability before applying power limits. This allows the control system to proactively adjust power limits to match actual thermal conditions, preventing both overload and unnecessary energy limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where component temperature measurements continuously inform power limit adjustments. The control system uses thermal state feedback to dynamically modify power limits, ensuring component integrity while maximizing energy production within actual thermal boundaries.
3Speed
If fast-acting regulation loops with calculation cycles of 10-100 ms are used, then response agility is improved, but production is overly limited due to instantaneous measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal dimension to the control problem by adding thermal state variables and thermal capacity considerations to the traditional instantaneous power control. This multi-dimensional approach allows fast-acting loops to operate with higher instantaneous limits while thermal constraints prevent actual overload, resolving the contradiction between response speed and production optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention can be included in the technical field of power control systems of electrical generation units comprising a supervisory regulation link applicable to a generation unit which calculates operating parameters or orders based on temporary averages of the power measurement.