Wind Turbine Fault Detection via Converter Output Power Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control systems struggle to effectively detect and respond to various fault conditions beyond voltage dips, such as component faults, high temperatures, and partial failures, leading to potential damage and shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes the evaluation of changes in the available output power signal from the converter control unit to detect torque mismatches, indicating fault conditions, and activates a safe operating mode to protect components, including measures like adjusting blade pitch and activating an uninterruptable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wind turbine shuts down during fault conditions, then component damage is prevented, but power grid stability requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments fault detection into multiple independent evaluation channels: voltage dip detection, torque mismatch detection, and overcurrent detection. Each channel operates independently to detect different aspects of fault conditions, allowing the system to identify and respond to specific fault types without shutting down unnecessarily.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary protective actions by detecting fault conditions and activating safe operating modes before actual component damage occurs. The control unit monitors multiple parameters simultaneously and triggers protective measures proactively, preventing damage while maintaining operation.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine remains operational during voltage dips, then power grid stability is maintained, but component damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors converter output power and compares it against expected values to detect torque mismatches. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about abnormal operating conditions, enabling the system to respond appropriately while maintaining grid stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on detected fault conditions. When a voltage dip or torque mismatch is detected, the control unit activates safe operating modes that modify converter control strategies, allowing the turbine to operate safely under abnormal conditions rather than shutting down statically.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fault detection methods are implemented, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages normal converter operation, detects voltage dips, monitors torque mismatches through power comparison, detects overcurrents, and activates safe operating modes. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, maintaining detection precision while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (voltage monitoring, power measurement, current monitoring) into a unified control system that evaluates all parameters simultaneously. By merging these functions rather than implementing them as separate independent systems, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining comprehensive fault detection capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for controlling the operation of a wind turbine (1), the wind turbine (1) comprising a generator (8), a converter (9), a converter control unit (15), a wind turbine controller (16) and a connection device (10) to an external electrical power grid (11), wherein electrical power generated by the generator (8) is input into the power grid (11) via the converter (9), wherein the wind turbine controller (16) is configured to determine a fault condition according to a fault condition signal (31) and to active a safe operating mode in response to the fault condition signal (31) indicating a fault condition, wherein the fault condition signal (31) is determined by evaluating changes in an available output power signal (26) generated by the converter control unit (15), the available output power signal (26) describing the active output power available from the converter (9).