Wind Turbine Active Power Control for Short-Term Wind Fluctuations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine control methods fail to optimally adjust power production in response to short-term wind variations, leading to reduced average power output in wind farms and potential damage from excessive generator torque fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating wind turbines that adjusts power generation by setting a target maximum active power and using a power boost factor to compensate for short-term wind fluctuations, ensuring average power output meets grid requirements while minimizing turbine stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If generator torque is increased to compensate for rotor speed decrease during negative wind gusts, then output power can be maintained constant, but rotor speed decreases further and wind turbine cannot comply with desired power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static torque control to dynamic torque control that adapts to changing wind conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts generator torque based on measured rotor speed deviations, implementing a feedback mechanism that modifies operating parameters in real-time to maintain power while preventing excessive speed reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring rotor speed and using this information to adjust generator torque. The controller measures actual rotor speed, compares it with reference values, and modifies torque output based on the deviation, creating a closed-loop control system that resolves the contradiction between maintaining power and preserving rotor speed
2Device complexity
If all rotor blades are controlled uniformly with the same pitch angle, then control system is simple, but cannot optimize power production for individual blade conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the uniform control approach into individual blade control. Each rotor blade is equipped with independent pitch angle control, allowing the system to segment the control decisions and optimize each blade's angle of attack based on its specific aerodynamic conditions, thereby increasing power production without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different pitch angles for different rotor blades based on local conditions. The control system adjusts the pitch angle of each blade individually according to its specific aerodynamic environment, creating localized optimization that improves overall power production while maintaining manageable system complexity
3Power
If wind turbine operates with rated rotor speed and rated output power, then power generation is maximized, but cannot respond to short-term wind variations and may cause damage from excessive torque fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing proactive control measures that anticipate and prepare for wind variations before they cause damage. The controller continuously monitors wind conditions and adjusts generator torque in advance to cushion against excessive torque fluctuations, preventing damage while maintaining power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by transitioning from fixed rated operation to dynamic operation that adapts to short-term wind variations. The control system dynamically adjusts generator torque based on real-time rotor speed measurements, allowing the turbine to respond flexibly to wind changes while maintaining power generation and preventing excessive torque that could cause damage
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 power production stability and efficiency by maintaining average power close to target levels, reducing turbine load and increasing annual energy yield.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic rotor having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation and a plurality of rotor blades
Implementation Method 2
electrical generator and a controller arranged in the nacelle (104)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method (700) of operating a wind turbine (100), a corresponding wind turbine, a method (800) of controlling a wind farm (112) and a corresponding wind farm (112). The method (700) comprises the steps of: determining (710) a target maximum active power to be fed by the wind turbine (100) into a power grid (120), in particular into an electricity power grid; monitoring (720) a current active power fed from the wind turbine (100) into the power grid (120); determining (730) a reference time period corresponding to the determined target maximum active power; deriving (740) an average of the active power fed from the wind turbine (100) into the power grid (120) during the reference time period; comparing (750) the average of the active power with the target maximum active power; and operating (760) the wind turbine (100) 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.