Wind Turbine Active Power Averaging for Negative Gust Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control methods fail to effectively manage short-term wind speed variations, leading to reduced power generation and decreased annual power production in wind farms, particularly due to insufficient power generation during negative wind gusts.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating wind turbines that involves determining a target maximum active power, monitoring current power output, and adjusting operating parameters to maintain average power above the target by temporarily increasing power generation during wind gusts or low wind periods, using a controller to optimize power production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the wind turbine operates with constant power control to maintain rated output power, then the output power remains stable, but the rotor speed decreases significantly during negative wind gusts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant power control to dynamic power control that adapts to wind conditions. The control system dynamically adjusts the generator torque and power setpoint based on measured wind speed and rotor speed, allowing the turbine to operate at optimal power levels under varying wind conditions rather than maintaining a fixed rated power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from constant power to variable power based on wind conditions. The power setpoint is adjusted as a function of wind speed and rotor speed, enabling the turbine to optimize its operation during negative wind gusts by reducing power demand when wind speed drops, thereby maintaining adequate rotor speed.
2Power
If the generator torque is increased to compensate for rotor speed decrease, then the power output can be maintained, but the rotor speed decreases further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional control approach by not trying to maintain constant power through increased torque, but rather by allowing power to vary dynamically. Instead of increasing torque to maintain power (which worsens rotor speed), the control system reduces the power setpoint in response to decreased wind speed, which prevents excessive torque application and maintains rotor speed.
3Reliability
If the wind turbine limits power generation to meet target maximum active power, then grid constraints are satisfied, but annual power production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a moving average of power generation over a reference time period to predict future power availability. This allows the turbine to proactively increase power generation when the moving average indicates underproduction, ensuring grid constraints are met while maximizing annual power production through anticipatory control adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the moving average of power generation and comparing it against the target maximum active power. The control system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the power setpoint, increasing generation when the average is below target and maintaining compliance with grid constraints, thereby optimizing annual power production.
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 method enhances power production by ensuring that average power output closely matches target levels, improving energy yield and reducing fluctuations, thereby optimizing power generation in wind farms.
Implementation Method 1
an aerodynamic rotor having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation and a plurality of rotor blades... Each rotor blade has an adjustable pitch angle for adjusting an angle of attack between the rotor blade and the wind moving the rotor blade
Implementation Method 2
the output power or the generator torque respectively... in case of wind gusts, the output power can be kept constant by adjusting the generator torque
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of operating a wind turbine, a corresponding wind turbine, a method of controlling a wind farm and a corresponding wind farm. The method comprises the steps of: determining a target maximum active power to be fed by the wind turbine into a power grid, in particular into an electricity power grid; monitoring a current active power fed from the wind turbine into the power grid; determining a reference time period corresponding to the determined target maximum active power; deriving an average of the active power fed from the wind turbine into the power grid during the reference time period; comparing the average of the active power with the target maximum active power; and operating the wind turbine at a set operating point permitting active power above the target maximum active power in case the average of the active power is below the target maximum active power.