Wind energy plant developers, owners and operators all face uncertainty about how undefined tax laws and structures—the U.S. wind production tax credits in particular—may impact a plant’s financial picture. There is increased focus on finding ways to make projects financially viable without tax incentives like the PTCs, particularly from a cost standpoint. This focus has…
Controlled switch device improves medium voltage transformers, circuit breakers
It’s possible to improve the stability and reliability of high and medium voltage electric systems with an agnostic, controlled-switching device that works on new and existing high voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) circuit breakers. VIZIMAX announces the release of its the SynchroTeq MV, new line of controlled switching devices (CSDs) for medium voltage (MV)…
New transducer is ideal for monitoring large loads
NK Technologies introduces the new AT/ATR-LS Current Transducer. The AT/ATR-LS combines a current transformer and signal conditioner that is great for monitoring large loads. The AT/ATR-LS is easy to install due to a large, split-core design that can be installed over existing conductors without disconnecting the load, even in applications with multiple conductors per phase.…
How standardized power transformers step up more than voltage for wind farms
A strategy for standardizing renewable-energy based generator step-up transformers can improve the profitability of wind projects. Jesse Gill • Business Development Manager • ABB Inc • www.abb.com RENEWABLE POWER IS THE FUTURE. Although here to stay, it comes with challenges that must be met before wind power becomes more mainstream than it is today. Besides the uncertain future of the Production Tax…
Report update: Large Power Transformers and the U.S. Electric Grid
This executive summary and introduction is from a 52 page, U.S. DOE report on large power transformers and the U.S. electric grid. This study updates the initial June 2012 study under the same title, Large Power Transformers and the U.S. Electric Grid. In this report, the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. Department…
MagNet for SolidWorks coming in 2014
Infolytica Corp says that MagNet for SolidWorks, a new software package developed by the company, will be officially launched in 2014. SolidWorks users who must design and analyze electromagnetic or electromechanical devices can use this new tool directly in their preferred CAD environment. MagNet for SolidWorks embeds an electromagnetic field simulator as an add-in to…
GL RC certifies CG’s transformer with SLIM design for offshore application
German transformer manufacturer CG has received certification from GL Renewables Certifcation (GL RC) for its liquid immersed SLIM and “Bio-SLIM distribution transformer”. The hermetically sealed transformer is also available with a bio-degradable transformer fluid which reduces the risk of pollution at environmentally sensitive locations, such as offshore. The certification was carried out according to GL’s…
CG transformer certified for offshore windpower
Transformer manufacturer CG has received certification from GL Renewables Certifcation (GL RC) for its liquid immersed SLIM and Bio-SLIM distribution transformer. The hermetically sealed transformer is also available with a bio-degradable transformer fluid which reduces the risk of pollution at environmentally sensitive locations, such as offshore. The certification was carried out according to GL’s Guideline…
RoHS compliant transformer fluid provides more protection and moisture tolerance
MIDEL 7131 is a fire safe, synthetic ester-based transformer fluid that has been successfully serving the global market for over 30 years. Users favor the fluid for a range of applications because of its flexibility, reliability, high performance and asset life extension. MIDEL 7131 provides a safe alternative to traditional fluid and dry-type transformers. It offers…
AMSC wins first D-VAR STATCOM project in South Africa
AMSC, a manufacturer that serves wind and power grid industry leaders, announced that Consolidated Power Projects (CONCO), South Africa’s largest high voltage construction company, has selected AMSC’s D-VAR STATCOM solution to connect South Africa’s largest wind farm to the electricity grid. This is AMSC’s first D-VAR STATCOM sale to South Africa. The system will be…
ABB positioned highest voltage converter in North Sea
ABB says it has installed the world’s highest-voltage offshore converter station in the North Sea. AC electricity generated in three wind farms off the coast of Germany will be converted on the platform into high-voltage direct current (HVDC) for transmission to the mainland. The 320 kV converter station has an 800 MW power transmission capacity…
Superconductor Technologies gets orders for Conductus 2G HTS wire
Editor’s note: This is a significant announcement because successful superconducting equipment would allow building smaller generators with higher outputs than current technology allows for wind turbines. This is a step in the right direction. Superconductor Technologies Inc., a developer and producer of high temperature superconducting (HTS) materials and associated technologies, says it has recently received…
Modular power converter sets precedent for high performance, low cost in wind apps
Boulder Wind Power (BWP) says the latest test results incorporating its proprietary power converter technology at full scale demonstrated an unmatched level of power quality for wind power applications. The converter design reduces damaging voltage stresses while improving the quality of the voltage and current waveforms at competitive industry costs. This unmatched level of performance…
Asset Management for Maximizing Wind Farm ROI
Asset management of wind farms, from remote monitoring to maintenance and metering accuracy can figure significantly into a project’s return on investment. In this webinar, our panel of experts will show you how to minimize cost and maximize revenue from wind farms. Invest an hour and learn how you can use remote monitoring to identify risk…
Monitor pumps water from transformer oil, warns of spills
The SEEwater Wind Turbine Transformer Oil Containment System provides oil spill monitoring for electric utilities. The Oil Smart System allows pumping water from transformer oil containment areas and underground vaults into waterways and the environment without the risk of pumping oil. The system combines automatic water-pump control along with the high liquid alarm function to…
Making the case for vertical-axis wind turbines
The horizontal-axis wind turbine has had a good run but it’s time to consider other designs for greater efficiency and a much shorter ROI. A Chinese businessman recently sought advice on different U.S. investment opportunities. The gentleman was considering the purchase a huge wind farm and expecting to reap great profits, so interviews were arranged…
Gassing in wind-farm transformers
Data indicates a high occurrence of elevated combustible gasses in cabinet style, wind-farm transformers. Studies presented here are a first step to understanding and helping solve the problem. Luke J. Parthemore /Technical Data Analyst Supervisor/Robert (Bob) T. Rasor, PE/Director of Engineering/SD Myers Inc., www.sdmyers.com Over the past few years, analyzing wind-farm transformers for dissolved gasses…
Simulation-design software for transformers and reactors
Developing new generations of transformers and line reactors is said to simplify and accelerate thanks to a software toolbox from the Vector Fields Software product line of Cobham Technical Services. A 3D Transformer Environment (TE3D) provides a graphical user interface for quickly designing transformers and reactors using Cobham’s Opera-3D finite element, electromagnetic simulation package. TE3D…
Monitoring transformers key to predictive maintenance
Mike Dickinson, Pacific Coast Transformers, www.pacificcresttransformers.com Transformers serve as a hub for collection and distribution of energy changing the voltage level at different locations of the grid. They are a key component of the Smart Grid, loosely defined as an automated, widely distributed energy delivery network, characterized by a two-way flow of electricity and information,…
Electrical & Electronic Components 101
Motors and drives Nacelles on utility-scale turbines are filled with motors, drives, and controls. The latter devices are part of the turbine controls that tell motors what to do. In just a few tasks, electric motors pitch the blades on turbines to capture the most power from the available wind. Motors on yaw drives keep the…