Wind Turbine Grid Stabilization via Bidirectional Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines do not adequately support electrical supply networks, particularly in decentralized systems, and their grid stabilization capabilities need to be enhanced to accommodate increasing integration into the grid.
Innovation Solution
A method for wind turbines to operate in a 4-quadrant mode, allowing independent control of active and reactive power feed or draw, utilizing existing loads within the turbine or farm to convert excess energy into thermal energy, and adjusting operations based on grid frequency and voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbines feed active power into the grid under normal conditions, then energy supply to the grid is improved, but during power surplus the grid cannot absorb excess energy leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional unidirectional power flow by enabling bidirectional active power flow. Wind turbines can draw active power from the grid during surplus conditions and feed it back when needed, transforming the turbine from a pure generator to a flexible power exchange node that stabilizes grid balance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power flow parameter by switching between generation mode (feeding power to grid), consumption mode (drawing power from grid), and idle mode based on real-time grid conditions, allowing adaptive response to varying supply-demand balance
2Device complexity
If wind turbines operate in traditional mode with limited control, then device complexity is reduced, but grid support capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine system achieves multi-functionality by combining active power generation, active power consumption, reactive power generation, and reactive power consumption capabilities within a single platform, enabling comprehensive grid support services without adding separate dedicated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic operational modes that can switch in real-time between four distinct quadrants of power flow (active power in/out and reactive power in/out), allowing the turbine to adapt its behavior dynamically to various grid conditions and provide versatile support functions
3Reliability
If additional equipment is installed to enhance grid support, then grid stabilization capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine performs grid support functions using its own integrated capabilities and existing components. The turbine's converter system and control architecture enable it to provide stabilization services independently without requiring external support equipment or additional infrastructure
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
Enhances grid stability and support by enabling rapid response to power imbalances, reducing the need for additional equipment and providing ancillary services, including load flow control and energy consumption management.
Implementation Method 1
Wind turbines generate electricity from wind and feed it into an electrical grid
Implementation Method 2
a frequency inverter (32) that converts electrical energy at variable frequency into electrical energy at grid frequency
Implementation Method 3
A blade heater can also be used to heat a rotor blade
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one wind turbine (100), wherein the at least one wind turbine (100) is prepared for feeding electrical power into an electrical supply network (120), and depending on a power supply in the electrical supply network (120), active electrical power is fed into the electrical supply network (120) or active electrical power is withdrawn from the electrical supply network (120) and supplied to at least one electrical consumer of the at least one wind turbine control system (100), and depending on a further state variable of the electrical supply network (120), reactive electrical power is fed into the electrical supply network (120) or reactive electrical power is withdrawn from the electrical supply network (120).