A better way to ride through faults

A full-power converter design by The Switch features fault ride-through (FRT) capability for better grid-side performance. The new converters match the most stringent grid code in the world to date, the German BDEW 2008 directive. They also comply with E.ON 2006, Transmission Code 2007 and Chinese grid code 2008. During faults, the converter stays connected to and supports the grid – even with zero-voltage ride-through capability. This results in future-proof grid compliance. The built-in FRT capability also creates a cost advantage. Even the smallest turbines on wind farms are being retrofitted with additional FRT upgrade kits that cost as much as new, complete converters by The Switch.

The new converter design is ideal for offshore installations, because the cabinet has been improved to minimize the impact of environmental influences in harsh ocean conditions. The upgrades include a more rugged enclosure and better sealing. In addition, the converter includes a built-in humidity control that removes humidity from inside the cabinet, making it highly reliable. The new converter, designed to match all turbine applications ranging from 1 to 6 MW, also reduces cabinet size by up to 30%. The length of The Switch 2 MW cabinet is now only 2.4 meters, which makes the placement of the converter easier in the nacelle or the tower. Higher power density is the design criteria also in higher power ranges.

“In China, the importance of FRT capability has been recognized only recently as a result of large power outages, and the slowdown in the market is closely linked to these quality issues. The new products exceed the maximum grid performance requirements in China,” says Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen, President and CEO. Sales of the new converter series will start early in 2012.

The Switch
theswitch.com

Liquid cooled converter handles 3 to 8 MVA

A medium-voltage frequency converter, the PCS 6000 Wind, works on wind turbines that require high power density and high reliability.  The 6000-series of liquid-cooled Integrated Gate Commutated Thyristor (IGCT) converters has a reputation for durable and reliable operation under harsh conditions. The PCS 6000 Wind matches well with large-scale wind turbines with the need for a 3 to 8-MVA grid power interconnection. Thanks to the combination of proven components and an innovative technology, the frequency converter has an unmatched reliability and efficiency. Medium-voltage technology results in lower currents, and therefore equipment that needs less space, less cabling, and has lower system losses.

A few of its main characteristics include:

• Medium voltage IGCT technology
• 4-quadrant operation
• Fuseless design
• Water cooling
• Compact and modular design

A few plusses include:

• Designed for high power wind turbines
• High reliability, efficiency, and power density
• Full grid code compliance
• Maximum control of turbine speed and power

The PCS 6000 Wind meets requirements of the multi MW wind turbines with full size converters. The converter has a reliability and efficiency unmatched on the market. Fast and accurate process control in combination with low-energy consumption results in top performance. The IGCT semiconductors are state-of-the-art in medium-voltage technology. This results in a less complex, and efficient and reliable converter that minimizes operating and maintenance costs.

Diagnostic Information Analysis System is the smart tool for supervising the process. In case of a problem, ABB service personnel can provide remote support to local service teams. The power converter control system records important signals and the status of the converter along with a timestamp during a fault. ABB service personnel can use a a built-in transient recorder to remotely analyze recording and give direct guidance to on-site personnel. Substantial benefits come from from proper installation and commissioning of the equipment. Factory testing and inspections, in addition to the traditional operational parameter setting done by ABB’s commissioning engineers, will reduce start up time, increase safety and reliability, and decrease life-cycle costs. In addition, operators can be trained by experienced specialists on site.