Wind Turbine Grid Fault Simulation Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wind turbine testing devices are inadequate in simulating and testing the response of wind turbines to faults in the energy supply network, such as frequency and voltage fluctuations, which are crucial for compliance and operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A wind turbine testing device with a transformer unit, autotransformer, and switching units that allow for the simulation of faults by controlling current and voltage values, featuring different operational modes to replicate grid errors and assess the turbine's behavior under various conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple switching device is used to simulate grid faults, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately simulate various grid fault conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidfault simulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test device incorporates multiple functional components (autotransformer for voltage control, coil unit for current control, switching devices for mode selection) that enable a single device to simulate multiple types of grid faults including overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, and undercurrent conditions, thereby achieving universal fault simulation capability without requiring separate dedicated devices for each fault type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The test device is divided into distinct functional segments: a transformer unit with primary and secondary windings, a separate coil unit, independent switching devices for each component, and control units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility for simulating various grid fault conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the test device operates in test mode with voltage increase, then the fault simulation capability is improved, but the risk of equipment damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault simulation capabilityVSAvoidequipment damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The test device includes protective measures built into the circuit design, such as controlled switching sequences and protective resistance elements, that prevent excessive voltage or current from damaging the wind turbine under test or the test device itself during fault simulation operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The autotransformer and coil unit act as intermediary components between the power supply network and the wind turbine, allowing controlled manipulation of voltage and current parameters to simulate fault conditions while protecting both the test subject and testing equipment from harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If circulating current is allowed during test mode, then the transformer operation is optimized, but the accuracy of fault simulation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer operationVSAvoidfault simulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The test device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between a first operating mode where circulating current flows through the transformer for optimal transformer operation, and a second operating mode where the switching device opens to eliminate circulating current and enable accurate fault simulation. This periodic switching allows both requirements to be satisfied at different times in the testing cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables comprehensive testing of wind turbines by accurately simulating grid faults, enhancing compliance and operational reliability by ensuring the turbines can withstand and respond appropriately to network disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

The test device has a transformer unit with an autotransformer... In a second mode, namely the test mode, the transformer switching unit is first closed so that a circulating current can flow and the test switching unit is then opened so that no circulating current flows and there is a voltage increase at the first connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The test device has a transformer unit with an autotransformer and a transformer switching unit, a first connection for connection to a wind turbine to be tested, a second connection for connection to a power supply network, a coil unit in series with the first connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3056916B2Use of a test device for wind energy installations and method for testing a wind energy installation
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
  • EP3056916B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3056916B2 patent drawingFigure 2A~3B
  • EP3056916B2 patent drawingFigure 4A~5B

AI summary

A wind turbine test device (400) is provided for generating current and/or voltage values ​​corresponding to a fault in a power supply network (200). The test device comprises a transformer unit (200) with a transformer (310) and a transformer switching unit (320), a first connection (401) for connecting to a wind turbine (100) under test, a second connection (402) for connecting to a power supply network (200), a coil unit (420) in series with the first connection (401), and a test switching unit (410) between the first and second connections (401, 402). In a first operating mode, namely the normal operating mode, the transformer switching unit (320) is open and the test switching unit (410) is closed.In a second operating mode, namely the test mode, the transformer switching unit (320) is first closed so that a circulating current can flow and the test switching unit is then opened so that no more circulating current flows and a voltage increase or a voltage decrease is present at the first terminal (401).