Wind Turbine Frequency Control Without Oscillation Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbines struggle to respond effectively to frequency disturbances in the power grid, particularly in large wind farms where frequency stabilization is required to balance generation and load.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling wind turbines connected to a power grid that involves monitoring grid frequency and activating a control scheme to increase power output and adjust power set points in response to frequency drops, using power and torque correction factors to ensure stable grid frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wind turbine controls provide enhanced frequency stabilization capabilities, then grid frequency stability is improved, but coupling between grid oscillatory modes and wind turbine mechanical oscillatory modes occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid frequency stabilityVSAvoidcoupling between grid oscillatory modes and wind turbine mechanical oscillatory modes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary control system that processes grid frequency deviations and generates appropriate power adjustments. This intermediary controller acts as a mediator between the grid frequency signal and the wind turbine actuation systems, filtering and shaping the control signal to achieve frequency stabilization while avoiding direct coupling with mechanical oscillatory modes. The controller uses a transfer function with specific poles and zeros to shape the frequency response, ensuring stability without harmful resonant coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wind turbines respond to frequency drops by increasing power output, then grid frequency stabilization is improved, but wind turbine mechanical and electrical limits may be exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrid frequency stabilizationVSAvoidwind turbine mechanical and electrical limits
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by providing frequency stabilization support that is sufficient to address grid frequency deviations but constrained by the wind turbine's actual capabilities. The control system calculates the required power adjustment based on frequency deviation and applies it only to the extent that mechanical and electrical limits allow. This ensures the turbine provides meaningful grid support without exceeding its operational boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts control parameters including power setpoints, torque references, and pitch angles based on real-time operating conditions and grid frequency deviations. The controller modifies these parameters within safe operational envelopes defined by mechanical and electrical limits, allowing flexible response to frequency events while maintaining equipment safety. The system adapts parameters such as the transfer function coefficients and power adjustment magnitude based on current turbine state and grid conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3404258B1Power generation stablization control systems and methods
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPANA SL
  • EP3404258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3404258B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3404258B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Power generation stabilization control systems 21 and methods include monitoring a frequency of the power grid 12. In response to detecting a frequency event occurring in the power grid 12, the method includes activating a control scheme in order to meet one or more grid requirements of the power grid 12. The control scheme includes increasing a power output of the wind turbine 14, 15, 16 to, at least, a pre-event measured grid power. Further, the control scheme includes calculating a power correction factor for a power set point as a function of, at least, the frequency event. Moreover, the control scheme includes adjusting the power set point via the power correction factor such that the power output follows a predetermined trajectory. In addition, the control scheme includes controlling, via a turbine controller (24, 26, 28), the wind turbine 14, 15, 16 based on the adjusted power set point for as long as the control scheme is activated.