Wind Turbine Switchgear Voltage Transformer Grid Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine power systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to over-dimensioned auxiliary diesel generators and significant power losses in main transformers when disconnecting from the grid, particularly during startup and reactive load handling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a switchgear with a voltage transformer that bypasses the main transformer to supply power directly to wind turbine components, using primary and secondary windings to connect either the electrical grid or an auxiliary power source, reducing fuel consumption and power losses by utilizing the same transformer for voltage measurement and power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single auxiliary diesel generator is provided at the central substation to supply power to all wind turbines, then the number of generators is reduced, but the generator becomes over-dimensioned to handle in-rush current and reactive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply function by providing individual auxiliary generators at each wind turbine rather than a single centralized generator. This allows each generator to be sized appropriately for its specific turbine's needs, avoiding the over-dimensioning problem of a centralized system while maintaining the ability to supply power during grid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wind turbine is equipped with its own auxiliary generator and fuel tank, creating locally-adapted power supply systems. This local quality ensures that each generator is optimally sized for its specific turbine's power requirements, eliminating the need for a single oversized centralized generator.
2Reliability
If multiple auxiliary diesel generators are installed at individual wind turbines, then power supply is ensured for each turbine, but logistics of fuel provision becomes troublesome and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fuel storage function by providing individual fuel tanks at each wind turbine rather than centralized fuel storage. This segmentation enables independent operation of each turbine's power supply system, ensuring reliability while simplifying fuel logistics as each turbine can be refueled independently without affecting others.
3Loss of energy
If the main transformer is used during grid connection, then power conversion is efficient, but significant power losses occur during startup and reactive load handling when disconnected from the grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a local auxiliary power source as an intermediary between the grid and the wind turbine loads. During grid loss, this intermediary auxiliary generator provides the necessary power for startup and reactive loads without requiring the main transformer to operate in inefficient conditions, thereby reducing energy losses.
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 solution ensures efficient and cost-effective electrical power supply to wind turbine components by minimizing fuel usage and power losses, allowing for reliable operation during grid disconnections and reducing the logistical challenges of multiple auxiliary generators.
Implementation Method 1
The switchgears comprise a switchgear voltage transformer, the switchgear voltage transformer includes primary and secondary windings, the primary windings receiving power from the electrical grid or auxiliary power source, and the secondary windings delivering electrical power to the wind turbine electrical components
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for providing electrical power to one or more wind turbine electrical components is provided comprising an electrical grid and an auxiliary power source for providing electrical power, and one or more wind turbines. Each of the wind turbines includes a wind turbine generator, one or more electrical components, a main voltage transformer for connecting the wind turbine generator to the grid and a switchgear arranged between the main voltage transformer and a point of connection to the grid. One or more switches for alternately connecting either said electrical grid or said auxiliary power source to the switchgears of the wind turbines are provided. The switchgears comprise a switchgear voltage transformer, the switchgear voltage transformer includes primary and secondary windings, the primary windings receiving power from the electrical grid or auxiliary power source, and the secondary windings delivering electrical power to the wind turbine electrical components.