Wind Turbine Control Mode Switching for Grid Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbines and photovoltaic systems face challenges in supporting the electrical supply network due to their dependency on weather conditions, with wind turbines unable to generate power in low wind situations and photovoltaic systems limited to daytime operation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control procedure for wind energy systems that allows them to switch from a normal mode to a support mode, where they can provide a higher current reserve and support the electrical supply network, especially when photovoltaic systems are generating high output due to strong sunlight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wind turbines operate in normal mode feeding available wind power into the grid, then the power generation from wind energy is maximized, but the ability to provide instantaneous reserves to support the grid is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generationVSAvoidgrid support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wind turbine control system dynamically switches between normal mode and support mode based on grid conditions and wind availability. In support mode, the rotor speed is increased above the optimal operating speed to store kinetic energy in the rotating mass, enabling the turbine to provide instantaneous reserves when grid frequency deviations occur, while in normal mode the turbine operates at optimal speed for maximum power generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If wind turbines increase rotor speed to provide instantaneous reserves, then the grid support capability is improved, but the power generation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstantaneous reserve provisionVSAvoidpower generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system periodically monitors grid frequency and wind conditions, switching between normal operation and support mode as needed. When grid support is required, the turbine temporarily operates in support mode with elevated rotor speed to provide reserves, then returns to normal mode for efficient power generation, creating a periodic cycle that balances both objectives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If photovoltaic systems operate at maximum output during sunny periods, then the renewable energy contribution is maximized, but the ability to provide grid support during variability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolar power generationVSAvoidgrid support flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wind turbine acts as an intermediary system that compensates for photovoltaic variability. When photovoltaic systems generate high power during sunny periods, the wind turbine operates in support mode with increased rotor speed, ready to provide instantaneous reserves if the photovoltaic output fluctuates, thus enhancing overall grid support flexibility while maintaining maximum renewable energy contribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables wind turbines to complement photovoltaic systems by providing a current reserve when photovoltaic systems are generating high output, thereby enhancing the network integration of renewable energy sources and reducing the reliance on conventional power plants.

Implementation Method 1

The wind turbine (7) has an aerodynamic rotor (18) with rotor blades

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

generating electrical energy from wind

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind power: Wind Power

Implementation Method 3

the wind turbine (7) has a generator coupled to the aerodynamic rotor (18) for generating generator power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4249748B1Method for controlling a wind turbine
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
  • EP4249748B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4249748B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4249748B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one wind turbine for generating electrical energy from wind for feeding into an electrical supply network (2), wherein the wind turbine has an aerodynamic rotor (18) with rotor blades adjustable in their blade angle, the rotor (18) is operable at a variable rotor speed, and the wind turbine has a generator coupled to the aerodynamic rotor (18) for generating generator power, wherein the wind turbine is operated in a normal mode in which it feeds available wind power up to a rated power into the electrical supply network (2), wherein the available wind power denotes a power that, depending on the wind and technical limits, can be obtained from the wind by the wind turbine and fed into the electrical supply network (2).and the wind turbine switches from a normal mode to a support mode depending on the operating situation of at least one solar power plant feeding into the same electrical supply network (2).