ABB’s medium voltage PCS6000 converters have obtained UL certification. This clears the way for their use in major offshore wind projects that utilize the new generation of large-scale wind turbines that could eventually reach powers of 20 MW and even higher.
Wind turbine manufacturers operating in the growing U.S. offshore wind market have been drawn to the PCS6000 converters by their low parts count, high efficiency and small footprint. Now with ABB’s certification under UL 6141, Wind Turbines Permitting Entry of Personnel, manufacturers can be sure that the medium-voltage converter will be able to provide the higher power necessary for larger offshore turbines.
The PCS6000 converter is light in weight with a compact installation footprint that enables fast and easy installation either in the wind turbine nacelle or tower base. The converter features high-efficiency IGCT (integrated gate-commutated thyristor) technology, and an advanced control algorithm that optimizes the generator’s operation point according to wind speed while minimizing losses in the generator windings. The converter’s low part count and fuse-less design ensures high availability. These advantages help wind park operators to maximize the return on their investment while offering their customers the lowest LCOE (levelized cost of energy).
In addition to UL certification, the PCS6000 has product certification from the China General Certification Center, CGC, and DNV-GL. It meets grid code requirements in the United States as well as major European countries, and several other countries worldwide.
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