Abstract
Recently developed nacelle test benches for wind turbines, equipped with multi-physics Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) systems, enable advanced testing and even certification of next-generation wind turbines according to IEC61400-21. On the basis of three experiments carried out with a commercial 3.2 MW wind turbine, this paper shows to which extent test bench hardware and HiL systems influence certification results. For the crucial Fault-Ride-Through tests, all deviations were found to be below 1% compared to field and simulation results. For this test, the power HiL system and the accuracy of its impedance emulation are found to be of most relevance. The results for the test items Frequency Control and Synthetic Inertia were found to be more sensitive to shortcomings of the mechanical HiL with its control system. Based on these findings, the paper mentions general procedures to ensure the quality of test benches with HiL systems and, with that, ensure the quality of certification.
Highlights
In the future, the certification of wind turbines’ electrical characteristics will heavily depend on measurement results derived on test benches equipped with multi-physicsHardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) systems
61400-21-4, which complements the existing standard IEC 61400-21-1 [2], will make this option available internationally as of 2022 [3]. Both standards allow for the carrying out of Fault Ride Through and Active and Reactive Power Control tests on test benches instead of in the field
This paper aims at deriving procedures which help to ensure the suitability of test benches with HiL systems for certification purpose
Summary
The certification of wind turbines’ electrical characteristics will heavily depend on measurement results derived on test benches equipped with multi-physicsHardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) systems. The setup of a nacelle test bench includes a complete, full-scale wind turbine nacelle with its mechanical and electrical drive train. In addition to the voltage level and the grid frequency, these include the grid impedances, since they affect the measurement of the electrical properties of wind turbines, which is necessary for certification. System consists of a and winddynamic turbine properties simulationof forthe reference generation, including aerodynamic and mechanical real-time models (c.f. Figure 6) and control-loops. The aerodynamic model calculates an input torque to the mechanThe system a wind turbine simulation referencerotor generation, ical drive train of the windconsists turbineof according to user-given wind for conditions, blade including aerodynamic and mechanical real-time modelssimulation The aerodynamic model an input value to the tracking control, which operates thecalculates test bench’s drive torque unit. to the mechanical
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