Wind Turbine Resonant Control for Drive Train Oscillation Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine systems face challenges in accurately damping rotational vibrations due to time-consuming continuous Fourier transformations, which lead to weakened accuracy and increased computational load, affecting power quality and mechanical component fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A variable speed wind turbine equipped with resonant control means that modifies power reference values based on rotational speed signals, utilizing PID controllers to selectively dampen oscillations at specific frequencies, ensuring high gain at resonance frequencies for effective control and minimizing load on mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous Fourier transformations are used to calculate frequencies for vibration damping, then frequency analysis capability is improved, but computational time and processing power increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific frequency components of interest (drive train oscillation frequencies) from the rotational speed signal using resonant control, rather than performing complete continuous Fourier transformations. This selective extraction approach maintains frequency analysis accuracy for the critical frequencies while significantly reducing computational time and processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full continuous Fourier transformations across all frequencies, the system applies partial action by using resonant control to target only the specific frequency ranges where drive train oscillations occur. This partial frequency analysis provides sufficient measurement precision for vibration damping while avoiding the excessive computational burden of complete spectral analysis.
2Reliability
If resonant control means with high gain at resonance frequency is used, then oscillation dampening effectiveness is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant control means modifies the power reference value based on detected oscillations at resonance frequencies. By changing the power reference parameter dynamically in response to oscillatory conditions, the system achieves effective dampening without requiring complex additional control mechanisms. The high gain is applied selectively only at the resonant frequency, maintaining simplicity elsewhere in the control system.
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 approach allows for faster and more accurate drive train oscillation compensation, independent of external power control loop bandwidth, reducing mechanical stress and maintaining power quality by effectively damping oscillations at resonance frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
Said resonant control means has a relative high gain at one resonance frequency of the drive train. Hereby it is ensured that even small responses or variations in said at least one rotational speed signal at said one resonance frequency results in a high value of feedback signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a variable speed wind turbine connected to a utility grid including a rotor, comprising at least one blade, a drive train connected to said rotor, said drive train comprising a selection of at least one gear box, and at least one electrical generator, measuring means establishing at least one rotational speed signal of the drive train, and at least one wind turbine power controller connected to said at least one generator and said utility grid. Furthermore said wind turbine comprises at least one resonant control means modifying a power reference value in response to said at least one rotational speed signal. The invention also relates to a resonant control system, a method of operating a variable speed wind turbine, use of resonant control system and use of a method in a variable speed wind turbine.