Wind Turbine Power Reference Segmentation for Vibration Damping

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wind turbine control systems face limitations in managing power reference signals, where a single limit applied to both primary and secondary signals can unnecessarily cut out secondary control mechanisms like damping, potentially limiting the turbine's ability to counteract vibrations and other temporary condition changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that differentiate between primary and secondary power reference signals, applying separate limits to each before combining them, allowing secondary control signals associated with damping and other temporary changes to maintain their effectiveness without exceeding safety limits for the power or torque control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single limit is applied to the power reference signal to prevent damage to the power or torque control system, then the control system is protected from damage, but small variations in the signal intended to implement temporary condition control such as damping are cut out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of power or torque control systemVSAvoidsecondary control mechanisms effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power reference signal is segmented into multiple separate signals (first power reference signal, second power reference signal, third power reference signal, etc.), each with its own dedicated limit. This allows the first signal to be limited for system protection while the second signal can provide damping variations without being unnecessarily cut off by a single aggregate limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different limit values are assigned to different power reference signals based on their specific functions and characteristics. The first power reference signal has a first limit appropriate for its role, while the second power reference signal has a second limit that preserves damping capability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring protection levels to each signal's specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the power reference signal is limited to prevent damage to the power or torque control system, then system safety is ensured, but the ability to counteract vibrations and implement temporary condition control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem safetyVSAvoiddamping control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The power reference signal is segmented into multiple separate signals (first power reference signal, second power reference signal, third power reference signal, etc.), each with its own dedicated limit. This allows the first signal to be limited for system protection while the second signal can provide damping variations without being unnecessarily cut off by a single aggregate limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different limit values are assigned to different power reference signals based on their specific functions and characteristics. The first power reference signal has a first limit appropriate for its role, while the second power reference signal has a second limit that preserves damping capability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring protection levels to each signal's specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a single limit is applied to the combined power reference signal, then the power or torque control system is protected from damage, but secondary control signals are unnecessarily limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of power or torque control systemVSAvoidsecondary control signal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power reference signal is segmented into multiple separate signals (first power reference signal, second power reference signal, third power reference signal, etc.), each with its own dedicated limit. This allows the first signal to be limited for system protection while the second signal can provide damping variations without being unnecessarily cut off by a single aggregate limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different limit values are assigned to different power reference signals based on their specific functions and characteristics. The first power reference signal has a first limit appropriate for its role, while the second power reference signal has a second limit that preserves damping capability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring protection levels to each signal's specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3670898B1Control of a wind turbine based on a combined power reference

Publication Date: 2022.09.21 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

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AI summary

A method of controlling a wind turbine is provided. The method comprises providing a primary power reference signal and a secondary power reference signal. The primary power reference signal is limited according to a primary signal limit. The secondary power reference signal is limited according to a secondary signal limit. The primary power reference signal and the secondary power reference signal are combined to provide a combined power reference signal, which is provided to a power or torque control system of the wind turbine.