Abstract:
The present subject matter is directed to a method for initializing a startup sequence of a wind turbine. The method includes a step of defining a plurality of operating conditions of the wind turbine. As such, upon satisfaction of the plurality of operating conditions, a run-ready signal may be generated, wherein the run-ready signal indicates a readiness of a power converter of the wind turbine to generate power. The method may also include defining a subset of the plurality of operating conditions, wherein the subset of operating conditions are independent of speed conditions of the wind turbine. Another step of the method includes generating a spin-ready signal for the wind turbine upon satisfaction of the subset of operating conditions. The method may also include controlling a rotor of the wind turbine based at least in part on the spin-ready signal.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for testing operability of a power converter with an existing power conversion assembly of a renewable energy system is disclosed. The method includes transferring a first pulse of energy from an existing power conversion assembly to a power filter of the power converter through first cells within a bridge circuit of the power converter. Another step includes determining a first current-voltage feedback associated with the first pulse. A next step includes transferring a second pulse of energy from the power filter to the existing power conversion assembly through second cells within the bridge circuit such that a portion of the first pulse moves back to the existing power conversion assembly. Another step includes determining a second current-voltage feedback associated with the second pulse. The first and second current-voltage feedbacks are compared with nominal tolerances of the power converter to ensure the power converter is operating properly.
Abstract:
The present subject matter is directed to systems and methods for controlling variable speed generators, particularly converters associated with doubly-fed induction generators (DFIG) to permit use of harmonic attenuating filters that are generally smaller and less costly than previous similar filters. The subject matter provides for controlling line-side and rotor-side converters in such a manner that the frequencies generated by the converters are interleaved in a manner that the filters see a higher switching frequency and thus may be designed based on those higher frequencies, thereby requiring smaller and less expensive components.
Abstract:
A role-based access control method and/or system permits end users to securely pair their mobile devices via a pairing apparatus with one or more instruments to, for example, remotely monitor operations of the instruments. In an embodiment, the process includes a pairing apparatus receiving a pairing request from an instrument including a unique access code, and receiving a pairing request from an end user mobile device that includes an end user mobile device identifier and an access code. If the unique access code matches the end user's access code, then the end user mobile device identifier is added to a security group and a successful pairing message is transmitted to at least one of the instrument and the end user mobile device.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for controlling a wind turbine are provided. An operating limit for a component of the wind turbine can be determined based on various environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, altitude, air density, wind speed, etc.) using a de-rating scheme. The operating limit determined using the de-rating scheme can be limited based on a rated operational limit for the at least one component as specified, for instance, by the manufacturer of the component. The wind turbine can be controlled based on the operating limit. For instance, an operating condition of the wind turbine can be controlled so as that operation of the wind turbine does not cause an operational parameter (e.g. an electrical current) to exceed the operating limit determined for the component of the wind turbine.
Abstract:
A system and method to detect an event associated with a first object relative to a second object and a support is provided. The system can include an antenna at a support to receive the first object, a tag reader in communication with the antenna and a tag located on the second object. In response to detecting a change in impedance of the antenna associated with the presence of the first object, the tag reader communicates a presence signal. In response to detecting the tag within a threshold proximity of the tag reader, the tag reader generates a tag signal. A remoter server is operable to detect an association of the first and second objects based on a comparison a time associated with each of the tag signal and the presence signal, and in response then creates an output indicative of a detected event based on the association for illustration.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a power generation system connected to a weak grid may generally include operating a power converter of the system so as to produce current at or above a power factor threshold associated with a power factor operating requirement for the system, detecting that a generator speed of the system has increased over a period of time, detecting that a local reference voltage for the system has decreased within the same period of time over which the generator speed has increased and adjusting the operation of the power converter to produce current at a reduced power factor below the power factor threshold so as to increase a real power output of the system.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for testing operability of a power converter with an existing power conversion assembly of a renewable energy system is disclosed. The method includes transferring a first pulse of energy from an existing power conversion assembly to a power filter of the power converter through first cells within a bridge circuit of the power converter. Another step includes determining a first current-voltage feedback associated with the first pulse. A next step includes transferring a second pulse of energy from the power filter to the existing power conversion assembly through second cells within the bridge circuit such that a portion of the first pulse moves back to the existing power conversion assembly. Another step includes determining a second current-voltage feedback associated with the second pulse. The first and second current-voltage feedbacks are compared with nominal tolerances of the power converter to ensure the power converter is operating properly.
Abstract:
The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for controlling an electrical component, e.g. a power bridge, of a wind turbine using contingency communications. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, by the electrical component, a standard set of commands for a first time frame. A next step includes receiving, by the electrical component, one or more contingency sets of commands for time frames beyond the first time frame. The method also includes determining if the standard set of commands is received within a start window of the first time frame. A further step includes implementing, by the electrical component, the standard set of commands during the first time frame if the standard set of commands is received within the start window. The method also includes implementing, by the electrical component, one of the contingency sets of commands received during a previous time frame if the standard set of commands is not received within the start window.
Abstract:
A power generation system may include a generator and a power converter coupled to the generator. The power converter may include a plurality of bridge circuits coupled in parallel. Each bridge circuit may be coupled to an inductor. In addition, the power converter may include a plurality of parallel shorting devices. The shorting devices may be coupled to the bridge circuits such that an impedance of the inductors is effectively coupled between the shorting devices and the generator.