SOLUTIONS - Moeller Electric Parts

Air-FreeSwitching wind turbines in a vacuumThe shortage of fossil resources means that the generation of electric power fromwind is nowadays more necessary than ever before. Woodward SEG from Kempenon the Lower Rhine has been a constant presence on the market for frequencyinverters for wind turbine generators (WTG) for over ten years. The experiencegained in power distribution and closed loop control engineering over this timeis fed continuously into the development of new products and technologies.State-of-the-art frequency inverters for wind turbine generators must meetthe most stringent requirements with regard to switching frequenciesand suitability for a wide range of supply grids. An optimised switchgearcombination based on Moeller products was therefore developed for thenew Concycle Wind frequency inverter generation.26The NZMH4 800 A compact circuit-breaker protectsthe generator reliably from overloads in the eventof a short-circuit. The contactor with vacuumtechnology handles the normal connection anddisconnection of the wind turbine generator. Thecombination can be used without any derating atambient temperatures up to 50° C.Merging experience and new ideasThe development of state-of-the-artfrequency inverters involves the bringingtogether of diverse objectives that aremostly contradictory. Experience in the windpower sector shows that inexpensive highquality components mostly have to offera lifespan of 20 years. The production andthe service of frequency inverters also hasto have a modular design, must be efficientand require little effort. After all, a windturbine generator is subject to a wide rangeof influences in various locations, such asextreme cold and heat, humidity, dust orsand, calm periods and storms. For thisreason, the selection and arrangement ofcomponents and their use in the harshestenvironmental conditions involves a greatdeal of technical know-how.The new frequency inverter generation ofWoodward SEG has to meet as a wide rangeof requirements as possible:• In spite of the high degree ofstandardisation, a modular switchboarddesign is nevertheless needed in order tomeet customer requirements. Tried andtested assemblies are therefore producedand tested in standardised productionprocesses.• Climatic requirements are fulfilled withtype-tested panel units with optional unitsfor heating and cooling – simulated inextensive test cycles, as well as in climaticcontainers.• Network operators are changing theirrequirements worldwide towards the activeand intelligent support of the electricitygrids by means of wind turbine generators.The simulations and software functionsneeded for this are developed and testedin the company‘s own test bay. In this way,the latest standards can be implementedwithin a short time.• Developments are controlled with thelatest Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)methods.• The different locations of wind turbinegenerators also require a wide rangeof wind profiles and therefore differentelectrical and mechanical load capacities. Afrequency inverter can thus connect to thegrid up to 2000 times a year.Operating principleThe generator for Concycle Wind frequencyinverter consists of a doubly fed slip-ringasynchronous generator. The frequencyFor Moeller Electric Sales and Support call KMparts.com (866) 595-9616