Wind Turbine Transformer Demagnetization for Island Mode Start-up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbines in Island Mode Operation face challenges with high saturation currents during start-up due to the need for large and expensive Diesel-generators, leading to tripping effects and increased costs, especially in offshore installations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves demagnetizing the transformer by ramping down the pre-defined voltage provided by a power source, such as a Diesel-generator or another wind turbine, before initiating the start-up sequence, reducing the residual flux and subsequent power requirements, allowing for a cost-effective and smaller generator to be used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large Diesel-generator is used to energize the transformer and auxiliary equipment, then the wind turbine can be started up in Island Mode Operation, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestart-up capability in Island Mode OperationVSAvoidDiesel-generator size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by demagnetizing the transformer before the actual start-up sequence. A demagnetization sequence is executed first to reduce residual flux in the transformer core, which prevents high saturation currents during subsequent energization. This preliminary step enables a smaller Diesel-generator to successfully start up the wind turbine without requiring excessive generator capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic parameter state of the transformer by actively demagnetizing it before energization. By controlling the residual flux density in the transformer core through a dedicated demagnetization sequence, the system modifies the transformer's magnetic characteristics to reduce inrush current and saturation effects, thereby enabling smaller generator sizing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the transformer is energized during start-up, then auxiliary equipment can be powered, but high saturation currents cause tripping effects in wind farm turbines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauxiliary equipment power supplyVSAvoidsaturation currents and tripping effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The demagnetization sequence is executed as a preliminary action before the main energization sequence. By reducing residual flux in the transformer core beforehand, the system prevents high saturation currents from occurring during transformer energization and auxiliary equipment power-up, thereby eliminating tripping effects while maintaining the ability to power auxiliary equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by counteracting the potential harmful effect of residual magnetism before it can cause problems. The demagnetization sequence actively removes residual flux that would otherwise lead to high saturation currents and tripping effects during subsequent energization, preventing the harmful effect before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 reduces saturation and inrush currents, enabling a smoother start-up process while minimizing the need for large generators, thus lowering costs and preventing tripping effects in wind farm turbines.

Implementation Method 1

The power source provides a pre-defined voltage to the transformer. The pre-defined voltage is ramped down to demagnetize the transformer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

This might lead to tripping effects in the wind farm turbines. The tripping is caused by high saturation currents, which needs to be induced in the respective transformers of the wind turbines.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic saturation: Magnetic Saturation

Data Source

PatentEP3220504B1Method to start-up a wind turbine
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS
  • EP3220504B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3220504B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The method invented aims for an improved start-up of a wind turbine, which is in Island Mode Operation. The transformer (161) of the wind turbine (101) is connected with a power source (166). The power source provides a pre-defined voltage to the transformer. The pre-defined voltage is ramped down to demagnetize the transformer. The wind turbine with the demagnetized transformer is subjected to a start-up sequence, which is used to provide power from the power source via the transformer to components (e.g. auxiliary equipment (171)) of the wind turbine.