Wind Turbine Transformer Voltage Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face power supply disruptions during grid outages or maintenance, requiring auxiliary power sources to ensure continuous operation of critical and non-critical components, but existing solutions are inefficient and require bypassing main transformers, limiting reactive power supply and generator usage.
Innovation Solution
A system with a busbar connected to both the electrical grid and an auxiliary power source, using a main transformer and auxiliary transformer to selectively switch between voltage paths, maintaining constant voltage to wind turbine components without bypassing the main transformer, allowing continued operation and reactive power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary power sources are installed to supply power during grid outages, then power supply reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary power source functionality with the existing main transformer by enabling it to operate in two modes: power transmission mode during normal grid operation and power supply mode during grid outages. This integration eliminates the need for separate auxiliary power generation systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The main transformer is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a power transmission transformer during normal operation and as a power supply transformer during grid outages. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain power supply reliability without adding dedicated auxiliary power equipment, thereby avoiding increased system complexity.
2Reliability
If main transformer is bypassed during grid outages, then power supply continuity is improved, but reactive power supply capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operational modes for the main transformer that can switch between power transmission and power supply functions based on grid status. During grid outages, the transformer operates in power supply mode while maintaining its reactive power compensation capability, eliminating the need to bypass it and preserving both power supply continuity and reactive power support.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer's operational parameters are dynamically adjusted based on grid conditions. During outages, the transformer operates with modified parameters to provide both active and reactive power while maintaining voltage stability, allowing it to serve dual purposes without bypassing.
3Reliability
If auxiliary transformers are used during grid outages, then voltage stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary transformer functionality into the main transformer by enabling it to operate in auxiliary power supply mode during grid outages. This integration eliminates the need for separate auxiliary transformers, maintaining voltage stability while reducing transformer configuration complexity.
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
Ensures continuous power supply to wind turbine components during grid outages or maintenance, maintaining constant voltage and enabling reactive power supply, while allowing the wind turbine generator to remain connected and operational.
Implementation Method 1
a main transformer for connecting the wind turbine generator to the busbar
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary wind turbine transformer for connecting the main transformer to the wind turbine components
Data Source
AI summary
System for providing electrical power to wind turbine components comprising a busbar, an electrical grid, and an auxiliary power source for selectively providing electrical power to the busbar with an auxiliary power voltage, wherein the main voltage is different from the auxiliary power voltage. The system includes one or more wind turbines comprising a wind turbine generator, a main transformer for connecting the wind turbine generator to the busbar, one or more wind turbine components, and an auxiliary wind turbine transformer. The wind turbine components are arranged to be selectively connected to the main transformer and the busbar through a first path or a second path. The system is configured to select the first path if the voltage at the busbar is the main voltage and to select the second path if the voltage at the busbar is the auxiliary power voltage.