Wind Turbine Reactive Booster for Grid Contingency Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face challenges in operating stably during grid contingency events due to the time required for adjustments, leading to potential damage or wear, as well as voltage instability, especially when there is an imbalance between rotor torque and generator torque.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a power converter and a reactive booster, which monitors output parameters, determines a supplementary voltage command based on the rate of change of these parameters, and adjusts the operation of the power converter to rapidly respond to grid contingency events, reducing the risk of voltage collapse and stabilizing the power generation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wind turbine operation is adjusted slowly to maintain stability, then component wear and damage is reduced, but voltage instability and potential damage during grid contingency events occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by detecting grid contingency events early and initiating torque balancing adjustments before the event fully develops. The system proactively adjusts blade pitch and generator torque to prevent torque imbalance and voltage instability, rather than waiting for parameters to reach critical thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic response by continuously monitoring grid conditions and adjusting wind turbine operation in real-time. The control system adapts blade pitch angles and generator torque dynamically based on detected grid events, enabling rapid response while maintaining component protection through controlled adjustment rates.
2Stability of the object's composition
If blade pitch adjustments are made rapidly to respond to grid events, then voltage stability is improved, but component wear and mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies counterbalancing torque through the generator to offset the mechanical torque from the rotor during grid contingency events. By controlling the air gap torque between generator rotor and stator, the system creates an opposing torque that balances the rotor torque, preventing mechanical stress on blades and components while maintaining voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between grid conditions and wind turbine components. It detects grid events and translates them into coordinated adjustments of blade pitch and generator torque, mediating the response to prevent direct mechanical stress on components while achieving voltage stability.
3Productivity
If wind turbine operates at variable speed to capture maximum energy, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but electricity frequency and voltage vary causing grid instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operating parameters dynamically by adjusting blade pitch angles and generator torque based on detected grid contingency events. This allows the wind turbine to maintain variable speed operation for energy capture while actively controlling output voltage and frequency to match grid requirements, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling operation of a power generation and delivery system (150) while increasing a power output of the power generation and delivery system is described (150). The method includes, monitoring an output parameter of the power generation and delivery system (150) and determining a rate of change of the output parameter as a function of time. A reactive current command signal (168) is generated a as a function of the determined rate of change of the output parameter. Operation of a power converter (34) is controlled based at least partially on the reactive current command signal (168) to facilitate maintaining a substantially constant terminal voltage (138) as the power output of the power generation and delivery system (150) is increased.