1. New technologies developed at the University of Birmingham address fast frequency support and forced oscillation control in wind turbines.
2. The technologies can be integrated into existing wind turbine control systems to benefit the grid, wind farm operators, and energy users.
3. Patent applications have been filed, and the University is seeking commercial partners for licensing, collaboration, or co-development.
New technologies for fast frequency support and forced oscillation control in wind turbines have been developed at the University of Birmingham, UK. These technologies aim to address issues related to power system frequency control and forced oscillations in wind turbines, which can cause disruptions to entire power grids. Patent applications have been filed and the University is seeking commercial partners for licensing, collaboration or co-development. The technologies have been developed by Professor Xiao-Ping Zhang, chair in Electrical Power Systems at the University of Birmingham.
The first technology accelerates the recovery of grid frequency after events caused by shifts in supply and demand, with minimal loss of wind power capture. It is designed for use in variable speed wind turbine systems that operate in maximum power point tracking mode. The second technology addresses forced oscillations caused by external disturbances, isolating and suppressing these oscillations by releasing or absorbing power opposite to the oscillating power. Both technologies have been verified in simulations with various wind scenarios.
These new technologies aim to benefit both grid and wind farm operators, ultimately ensuring an uninterrupted energy supply for energy users. The University of Birmingham is looking for commercial partners to further develop and integrate these technologies into existing wind turbine control systems.