Wind Turbine Voltage Collapse Prevention via Limit Cycle Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine power systems connected to a power grid face risks of voltage collapse due to weak power grids, which can lead to power and voltage oscillations and transient voltage instability during fault recovery.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a controller to monitor power and voltage values at a point of common coupling, determine a limit cycle reference point, and adjust commands to prevent voltage collapse by comparing this point to predetermined thresholds, updating commands based on delta values, and operating the wind turbine power system accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wind turbine power systems are connected to weak power grids, then power and voltage oscillations and transient voltage instability occur during fault recovery, but voltage collapse is prevented through dynamic command adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidvoltage collapse risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors power and voltage values at the point of common coupling, compares the limit cycle reference point to predetermined thresholds, and dynamically adjusts commands based on the comparison result. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of voltage collapse risks and automatic corrective action, resolving the contradiction between maintaining power output and preventing voltage instability in weak grids

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts commands and gain coefficients based on real-time system state rather than using fixed parameters. The limit cycle reference point calculation and threshold comparison enable adaptive control that responds to changing grid conditions, allowing the system to maintain stability during transient events while preventing voltage collapse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If maximum power output is pursued in weak grids, then voltage collapse risk increases, but grid stability is maintained through limit cycle reference point monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidgrid stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates the limit cycle reference point continuously and compares it to predetermined thresholds before voltage collapse occurs. By detecting proximity to unstable operating conditions in advance and adjusting commands preemptively, the system enables maximum power extraction from the wind turbine while maintaining grid stability through early warning and corrective action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3451481B1System and method for preventing voltage collapse of wind turbine power systems connected to a power grid
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP3451481B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3451481B1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

A system and method 300 for preventing voltage collapse of a wind turbine power system 200 includes receiving a power input value and a voltage input value from a point of common coupling of the wind turbine power system. The method also includes determining 304 a limit cycle reference point of the wind turbine power system as a function of the input values. The method further includes comparing 306 the limit cycle reference point to at least one predetermined threshold. If the limit cycle reference point is greater than the at least one predetermined threshold 308, the method includes determining 310 a delta value for the real and reactive voltage commands of the wind turbine power system. Further, the method includes determining 312 updated real and reactive voltage commands based on the delta value. As such, the method also includes operating 314 the wind turbine power system based on the updated real and reactive voltage commands.