Wind Turbine Testing via Grid Simulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbines face delays and inconvenience due to the need for a point of interaction (POI) substation to be constructed and energized before testing, leading to potential late delivery charges and scheduling issues.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a grid simulator to test the wind turbine independently of the POI substation, allowing for timely testing and avoiding delays by simulating the grid connection, thereby enabling flexible scheduling and expedited testing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the POI substation is constructed and energized before testing, then the wind turbine can be tested properly, but the testing process experiences delays and scheduling inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting validityVSAvoidtesting delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simulated grid environment that replicates the electrical characteristics of the actual utility grid. The grid simulator generates synthetic grid signals that mimic voltage, frequency, and phase conditions, allowing the wind turbine to be tested without requiring the physical POI substation to be constructed and energized. This virtual copy enables complete testing functionality while eliminating the time-consuming wait for substation readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If the POI substation is constructed close to the due date, then construction time is reduced, but a time crunch and inconvenience are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling wind turbine testing to occur before the POI substation is constructed or energized. The grid simulator is deployed temporarily to provide the necessary grid interface for testing, allowing all required tests to be completed in advance. This eliminates the need to wait for substation completion and removes scheduling constraints, giving project managers flexibility to conduct testing at the most convenient time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the grid simulator is used for testing, then testing can proceed without the POI substation, but additional testing equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the grid simulator as a mediating device between the wind turbine and the testing environment. The grid simulator serves as a temporary intermediary that provides grid-like electrical conditions without requiring the actual POI substation. This intermediary enables complete testing functionality while being relatively simple in structure compared to a full substation, thus improving testing efficiency with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1801414B1System for testing a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2015.04.15 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

A system (400) for testing is described, the system includes a wind turbine (102), a grid generator (410) configured to generate power and coupled to the wind turbine, and a portable load (406) coupled to the grid generator.