Wind Turbine Active Damping for Grid-Stable Power Reference Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large changes in power reference signals to wind turbines can cause synchronization of active damping components, leading to significant oscillations that destabilize the power grid, particularly in wind parks with a high wind power contribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling active damping in wind turbines by determining the relative power reference change and adjusting the amount of damping based on this change, reducing damping during significant power reference changes to prevent grid destabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If active damping components are applied to dampen mechanical oscillations in wind turbines, then structural loads are reduced, but large changes in power reference signals cause synchronization of damping components leading to large oscillations on park output that destabilize the grid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the active damping control adaptive rather than static. The damping control amount is dynamically adjusted based on the rate of change of power reference signals. When power reference changes rapidly, the damping control is reduced or suspended; when power reference is stable, full damping control is applied. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize structural load reduction while preventing grid destabilization during transient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of damping control amount based on the rate of change of power reference signals. By monitoring how quickly power reference changes and adjusting the damping control parameter accordingly, the system can prevent synchronization of active damping components across the wind park. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain structural benefits while avoiding grid instability during rapid power reference transitions.
2Strength
If high amount of active damping is applied continuously, then mechanical oscillations are effectively dampened, but during large power reference changes the synchronized damping components create maximum oscillations on park output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting large changes in power reference signals before they can cause synchronization of active damping components. When rapid power reference changes are detected, the system preemptively reduces or suspends damping control, preventing the harmful synchronization effect from occurring. This anticipatory approach eliminates grid destabilization while maintaining oscillation dampening during normal operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the damping control amount based on real-time monitoring of power reference signal changes. Rather than applying high damping continuously, the system modulates damping levels according to operating conditions, reducing damping when power reference changes rapidly and maintaining high damping during stable conditions. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between effective oscillation dampening and prevention of grid destabilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a method of controlling an amount of active damping to be applied by an active damping system during operation of a wind turbine, the method comprising (a) receiving a power reference signal indicative of the power to be produced by the wind turbine, (b) determining a relative power reference change indicative of a change in the power reference signal, (c) determining the amount of active damping to be applied based on the relative power reference change, and (d) outputting the determined amount of active damping to the active damping system. Furthermore, a corresponding device, a wind turbine comprising such a device, a wind park comprising such wind turbines, and a computer program product are described.