Windfarm Grid-Condition Control to Prevent Chaotic Restarts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windfarms connected to an electric grid face challenges in managing disturbances and imbalances, which can lead to unstable power delivery and potential damage to generators, as existing restart methods do not adequately support grid stability during and after disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a windfarm controller that measures voltage and frequency characteristics at the point of injection, communicates control signals to generating units based on these measurements, and controls their operation to prevent premature restart or reconnection during grid disturbances, ensuring stable grid conditions before allowing power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If generators are restarted immediately after grid disturbance to maintain power delivery, then productivity is improved, but grid stability deteriorates and chaotic restarts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of grid conditions before allowing generator restart. The controller measures voltage and frequency characteristics and evaluates whether the grid is ready to receive power, preventing premature restarts that would cause instability. This preliminary check ensures that generators only reconnect when grid conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors grid voltage and frequency characteristics and uses this feedback to control generator restart operations. The controller adjusts generator reconnection timing based on real-time grid condition feedback, preventing chaotic restarts while maintaining power delivery continuity.
2Reliability
If generators are disconnected during grid disturbance to protect equipment, then reliability is improved, but power delivery is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts generator operation based on real-time grid conditions. Rather than fixed disconnect/reconnect protocols, the controller continuously evaluates voltage and frequency characteristics and adjusts generator status accordingly, optimizing both protection and power delivery continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from grid condition monitoring to determine when generators should be disconnected or reconnected. This feedback mechanism ensures generators are protected during dangerous conditions while minimizing unnecessary disconnections that would interrupt power delivery.
3Reliability
If coordinated control of multiple generating units is implemented to prevent chaotic restarts, then grid stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control functions of multiple generating units into a single centralized controller. This windfarm controller coordinates all generating units, measuring grid conditions once and distributing appropriate control signals to all units, thereby achieving coordinated control without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized controller performs multiple functions: monitoring grid voltage and frequency, evaluating grid readiness, controlling individual generator restarts, and coordinating overall windfarm operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a windfarm connected to an electric grid via a point of injection for injecting power from the windfarm to the electric grid, the windfarm including at least two generating units and a windfarm controller, the method comprising:measuring 302 voltage and/or frequency characteristics of an electrical signal of the electric grid at the point of injection,communicating 304 to at least two generating units of the at least two generating units of the windfarm at least one control signal based at least in part on the measured voltage and/or frequency characteristics of the electrical signal of the electric grid at the point of injection, the at least one control signal being indicative of a grid situation at the point of injection;controlling 306 the at least two generating units of the at least two generating units of the windfarm at least in part based on the communicated at least one control signal.