26/08/2011 7
WinWinD turbines are variable speed, pitch
regulated
The rotor is combined with the integrated power unit
using a robust bearing.
The planetary gear increases the rotating speed modestly
The low speed permanent magnet generator produces
electricity
The frequency converter adapts the electricity to meet
the grid requirements
WinWinD approach
1
2
3
4
5
Rotor bearings and Gearbox
Generator and Converter
Rotor bearings transfer the rotor loads from the hub into the machine housing, skipping the planetary gear and the generator and keeping the drive train free from deformation and loads
The planetary gear increases the rotating speed modestly (noise and highly stressed parts avoided)
The low rotational speed and the small number of rotating parts reduce the risk of damage in the drive train
Low Speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator with high partial power efficiency and less losses
The frequency converter (full conversion) ensures maximum grid compatibility and high power quality (Grid requirements compliance)
Variable speed, pitch regulation
Variable speed, pitch regulated rotor ensures the power control of the turbine and the optimum energy yield over the full range of operational wind speeds
26/08/2011 8
WinWinD approach WWD brings a proven commercially viable technology evolution from the old standards
Gearbox technology
Generator technology
Load transmission
Frequency converter
Traditional Gear system
Three stage gearbox– High speed shaft with
increased risk of failure and higher mechanical losses.
If an asynchronous generator is used directly on the grid (hard drive train) the load level and the power fluctuations are high, with potential wind turbine stops
The vibration level requires elastic suspension which may induce a risk for the bearing arrangement, with potential risk of failure
Partial scale power conversion in case of doubly-fed generators
FRT not capable for squirrel cage generators
Direct Drive– Low rotation speed; there is no
gear.
Synchronous generator, electrically excited: The excitation losses reduce the efficiency and increase the pole-wheel mass
Direct Drive (Gearless)
The loads may influence the generator air gap and therefore the generator casing needs to be very rigid (weight)
Full scale power conversion
FRT capable
WinWinD Technology
Planetary gear– Low - Medium speed rotation. No helical
stage excludes problems with no load bearing failures in the last stage
– Higher efficiency compared to traditional gear system
Permanent magnet synchronous generator– Increases efficiency up to 5% in low wind
speeds
– High generator efficiency (ca 97%) over a wide speed range
The main bearing is a moment bearing between hub and casing– The influence on gear and generator are
well-known and small and exclude the slow speed shaft dynamics problems
Full scale power conversion
FRT capable
Introduction date 70’s 90’s 2000
26/08/2011 9
WinWinD approach
WinWinD Technology: advantages
Reliability (More running hours)
The slow speed gearbox reduces the number of bearings inside the gear minimising the probability of failure …– … and it also reduces the mechanical losses caused by the additional gear of traditional gear drive
systems
The compact bearing ensures a well defined flow of forces, low stress and strain, and very small drive train deformations (loads are avoided in the drive train)– The loads from the rotor are transferred to the main casing with its consequent impact on longer
gearbox lifetime when compared with traditional systems
– While industry has faced reliability issues with gearboxes, WinWinD has never had a gearbox broken
The use of a slow speed gearbox means that highly stressed parts are avoided– Components have lower load levels
– Robust slow speed parts
1
2
3
Efficiency Grid compatibility
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) turbine with less components reduces the maintenance needs– They can be brushless
– No slip ring needed
4
Advantages
Better availability (less downtime)
Longer life of the turbine
More output
26/08/2011 10
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) contributes to a greater turbine efficiency – At low wind speeds, high partial power efficiency, and consequently a better power curve when
compared to traditional generator systems
– PMSG do not need external excitation
– PMSG generate less losses than other generators in the industry (Squirrel Cage Induction Generators and Double Fed Induction Generators)
WinWinD approach
WinWinD Technology: advantages
Reliability
5
Efficiency (More Output) Grid compatibility
PMSG are specially apt for demanding weather conditions, as they produce lower thermal stress on the generator and the bearings
6
Aerodynamic blade layout optimised to maximise power output7
Advantages
Higher wind efficiency
More output
26/08/2011 11
WinWinD approach
WinWinD Technology: advantages
Reliability EfficiencyGrid compatibility (Better
energy)
Full power frequency converters with automatic grid synchronisation ensures maximum grid compatibility and high power quality – Grid friendly turbines
– Low power fluctuations
8
Low Voltage Fault Ride Through (LVFRT) Capable, and consequently capable of meeting demanding grid requirements from grid operators
9
Advantages
Excellent power quality
Stable output
Grid stabilization during high winds
Low harmonics
Active and reactive power control
LVFRT
Operation in large voltage or frequency fluctuations.
26/08/2011 12
Load transmission WinWinD’s drive trains are not harmed by the loads coming from the rotor. The small influence is known and considered in the design and calculations
In WinWinD turbines, the loads from the rotor are transferred to the tower through the main bearing, gearbox casing and main frame
In traditional 3-point suspensions the rotor loads react on the gearbox casing and main bearing
– The elastic deformations can lead to unwanted forces on the gearbox. The axial force may cause damage to the double-row spherical ball bearing.
A unique technology
Tower
Mainframe
Gearbox and generator
Rotor
Tower
Rotor
Gearbox
Original concept
WinWinD turbines
Generator
Rotor loads
WinWinD has never had a broken gearbox, as the loads are transmitted directly into the tower
26/08/2011 13
Planetary GearWinWinD Technology came as the answer to industry’s need for a reliable and effective gear system
Major implications on the choice of gear system
Drive train systems comparison Implications for clients
Size / Weight
Cost
Reliability
Mechanical losses
- +
- +
- +
- +
DDG
DDG
G
GDD
H
H
DDH
H
H WinWinD: Simple planetary gear
G Gear (traditional): 3 stage gear
DD Direct Drive: gearless
The low rotational speed of a direct drive shaft demands a larger generator ring (than gear systems), which increases the tower top mass
– Demand stronger towers and foundations
By inserting a simple planetary system, the need for a larger generator ring decreases thus reducing the turbine size and weight
WinWinD technology yields a higher turbine cost as compared to gear concepts but not as expensive as gearless (DD) systems
– The higher turbine cost for a DD systems is a consequence of the higher mass and the extra resulting cost (copper for generators, steel for special towers)
WinWinD’s planetary gear reliability has a solid track record: never has a gear been replaced in WWD turbines
– Less components are needed, thus minimizing the number of potential faulty points
– The helical gears have a smooth and gradual engagement of the teeth thus increasing the lifespan of the components
The additional stages of the traditional gear system mean additional mechanical losses when comparing to WinWinD technology
WWD has an integrated design of the gear with the generator, thus eliminating the main shaft, helical stage(s) and the high speed shaft; making the drive train more efficient by having less rotating components and less vulnerable to excess vibrations which can occur in a bi-axial design having high rotational speed
Broken Gears have been the industry’sheadache for the
past years
The biggest and heaviest
The most expensive
The most reliable
Maximum mechanical losses
26/08/2011 14
Generator WinWinD uses a permanent magnet synchronous generator which has considerable advantages over other industry standards
Turbine performance comparison depending on different generator types 1
Advantages of using PM synchronous generators over electrically excited machines
High efficiency
High energy yield even in low wind speeds as no excitation power required
Lower thermal stress
Higher reliability without slip rings
Higher power/weight ratio
It is brushless (nearly maintenance free)
PMSG wind turbines with full scale converter can easily comply with FRT than DFIG
A Permanent Magnet synchronous generator is the perfect fit for a variable speed wind turbine with planetary gear configuration
SCIG DFIG EESG PMSG
Efficiency
Reliability
Grid compatibili
ty
High
Low
WWD generatorTime development
26/08/2011 15
Frequency ConverterFrequency converter ensures full power conversion even at low RPM and ensures full FRT capability
“Grid friendly” turbine
frequency converter
wind turbine control
generator sideconverter
line sideconverter
10 ... 24 kV, f = 50 Hz
line coupling transformer
main circuitbreaker
medium voltageswitchgear
DC
Converter control
The full-power inverter:
– Ensures Full FRT (Fault ride through) capability, and variable reactive current without switching steps
– Q(U) voltage stabilisation function is possible
– Full speed range from starting wind to rated without limitations as with a doubly-fed generator
– Eliminates downtime during voltage dips
– Output stabilization during high wind season
– Can provide reactive power to support voltage levels
WWD turbines are “grid friendly” turbines
There are several issues that wind turbines must address to produce electricity: reactive power, adaptability to grid voltage and frequency changes, reaction to voltage dips, grid adaptation, …
The WinWinD turbine frequency converter is based on IGBTs on generator and grid side, using a switching frequency of 2-3 kHz
– When compared with other configurations, this helps to achieve a minimal grid reaction and high power quality, and fulfill with demanding grid operators rules
– The frequency converter increases the reliability of the grid where the WTG is connected
Advantages of using a frequency converter
26/08/2011 16
Grid IntegrationWinWind turbines allow full grid integration of produced electricity
Consequently, WinWinD turbines are able to provide:
– Excellent power quality
– Low harmonics
– Low Voltage Fault Ride Through (LVFRT)
–Operation in large voltage or frequency fluctuations
–Active and reactive power management
WWD turbines guarantee a profitable, stable, reliable and high quality supply of electricity
The usage of an IGBT converter ensures compliance with the most demanding grid connection requirements
According to Garrad Hassan (April 2009),the following requirements are now essential for a wind turbine, to
guarantee grid compatibility: (i) good reactive power control; and (ii) reduced
power and voltage fluctuations
WinWinD turbines are...
–… capable of being integrated into existing power systems (different electricity source mixes)
–… prepared to accomplish the restrictions imposed by grid operators, with high level of flexibility and consequently prepared to be easily integrated in any transmission or distribution network
–… prepared to support grid critical situations (short circuits, bottlenecks, …), improving consequently system stability and security of supply
–… ready to control and regulation of power output without power peaks
26/08/2011 17
Control systemWinWinD control system ensures optimal operation and active security
Measured data is constantly evaluated in order to adapt nacelle yaw control to wind conditions
For all wind speeds, variable speed to achieve maximum wind turbine efficiency
Elimination of undesired output peaks and high operating load
Active pitch control system, with three independently operated pitch mechanisms
Vibrations in tower and generators are monitored
Grid connection monitoring, enabling the turbine to react immediately to changes in voltage or frequency
The control system adjusts the individual system parameters to ensure that WWD turbines achieve maximum output under all weather and wind conditions and work in conformity to the grid
Control System
26/08/2011 18
Control systemAllows full control and monitoring of WWD turbines performance and operating conditions
Turbine control
Allows optimisation based on the needs of the customer
– Production optimised versus noise optimised power curve
Prepared for small to large wind park configurations
Reporting
Monitoring the functions of the wind turbine
–Weekly, monthly or annual production
–Status of different functions
–Real time grid measurement
Storage of statistics is also available
Remote control
Remote access: WWD turbines can be fully remote controlled
Settings of the main frame can be changed remotely
Alarms
In case of a malfunction the system alarm informs the central control room or any pre-programmed telephone number
Self -diagnosis
The control system continuously protects and controls the turbineand adjusts the turbine settings according to wind and weather conditions
Other options
Transformation of production data information into other information systems (Excel or Access)
Data available on the Internet (username and password protected)
User defined language
User friendly design
26/08/2011 19
Condition monitoring
The condition monitoring system ensures the mechanical reliability of the turbine.
The system consists of a central unit and vibration sensors, and also receives process signals from the turbine controller.
The data is analysed and a warning is given if the alarm limits are exceeded. In this way a potential problem is known well in advance of it causing the turbine to stop, and the repair can be planned in advance and carried out at the most beneficial time period.
The system also provides trends, frequency spectrums and time domain signals as well as technical details of the wind turbine to enable accurate condition analysis.
26/08/2011 20
Implementation
Customer
Requirements
System Design
Sub-system Design
Component DesignComponent
Verification
Sub-system
Verification
System Verification
Customer
Satisfaction
Verification
Requirements
Customer Focused Customer
Experience and Feedback
Verification
Requirements
Feasibility
Feedback
Feasibility
Feedback
Integrate Hardware &
Software
Integrate Hardware &
Software
Customer
Requirements
Definition /
Translation
Cascade Requirements and
Architecture Down
Cascade Requirements and
Architecture Down
Product Development Approach
26/08/2011 21
Test PieceTest Piece
Force Application System
Reaction Load Measurement
Frame and Nacelle Adjustment
Torque Input System
Building and
Foundation
Main Bearing
Control System
Data Acquisition
Test Rig Overview
Top Related