Pitch system for 3-MW wind turbine

Guodian United Power Technology Co. Ltd. (GUP) has successfully completed the grid connection for its first 3MW wind turbine, which uses Moog’s AC servo motion-controlled pitch system. This expands the partnership between Moog Industrial Group, a division of Moog Inc. and GUP, and promotes the growth of China’s wind power industry.

This is the first time Moog has supplied its AC servo motion-control pitch to a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer for a project in China. The new anti-corrosion and moisture-proof design protects its components against harsh weather. GUP’s 3 MW turbine system also incorporates Moog’s latest pitch motor. This synchronous servo unit provides motion-control redundancy during an emergency and is highly reliable and precise. Moog’s pitch motor, when paired with its pitch servo drive for wind turbines, meets stringent technical specifications for all types of wind energy applications. And the adoption of ultra capacitors in place of widely-used lead-acid batteries as backup power offers enhanced system reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

“Harsh operating environments have raised the requirements demanded of pitch motors for wind turbines. Consequently, AC servo motor technology is the choice for future developments. Additionally, users will save on operation and maintenance costs,” added Rasmussen. The pitch control system is a motion controller that ensures effective use of wind energy and protection for large mainstream wind turbines. Company drives operate under extreme temperature conditions within the switch cabinets of wind turbine rotor hubs. This system withstands high mechanical loads, while improving the operating efficiency of wind turbines.

Improving grid connection capability is one of the technical challenges Chinese wind turbine OEMs must address while Low Voltage Ride Through capability is critical for minimizing turbine downtime during unstable grid power conditions. In June 2010, Moog and GUP completed China’s first LVRT wind turbine test. Moog’s new pitch system tailored for GUP’s first 3MW wind turbine also has this feature and maximizes safety performance.

Guodian United Power Technology Co., Ltd.
http://www.gdupc.com.cn/

Eaton expands in China with $1.5M wind power agreement

Industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation says it will provide key wind-power technologies to Guodian United Power Technology Co. Ltd., a wind turbine manufacturer in China. The agreement will generate about $1.5 million in revenues annually for the U.S. firm.

Eaton’s Hydraulics Group based in Shanghai will supply hydraulic power units equipped with Vickers and Integrated Hydraulics screw-in cartridge valves for yaw and shaft braking functions on Guodian wind turbines produced in Hebei Province. Eaton will also supply Aeroquip MatchMate Plus hose and Winner fittings for turbine brakes.

Eaton says it also offers customers power-unit-design capabilities, local production expertise, and technical and application engineering support.

Eaton Corp.

www.eaton.com/hydraulics