Press Release
Release date: June 2, 2008
In Harsh Wind-Power Conditions, this New ABB, Enclosed Liquid-Cooled Frequency Converter Thrives
(AC drive optimized for use within wind turbines -- and features compact size, modular construction, high output quality, and remote diagnostics and control)
NEW BERLIN, Wis., June 2, 2008 . . . ABB's new drive for wind turbines combines advanced technology with totally enclosed cabinet construction. The active and passive power-converting components and controlling electronics are liquid-cooled and enclosed by the cabinet construction with no air inlet or outlet openings. This ensures that harsh ambient conditions do not infiltrate the cabinet - and the electronics are stabilized; the environment inside the cabinet is protected against dust, salt and extreme temperatures. The new converters are offered as part of ABB's wind turbine drive family, and the model number is ACS800-77LC.
Optimize Performance, Basis Wind Conditions; Redundancy Built In
"This converter, which transfers AC power from the turbine generator through to the utility or transmission switchgear, also can be configured in various ways to optimize the number of power modules needed, as a function of the wind power or turbine speed/velocity to the generator," notes Ari Hedemaki, product line manager for the product line, ABB Low Voltage Drives, North America. "This modular, parallel converter/inverter module configuration also enables wind turbine owners to optimize efficiency - and the system is completely redundant, in that the converters will continue to operate at partial load, even if one of the inverter modules in the system goes offline for some reason."
From 1.5 MW upwards, a full converter system can be configured from two or three individual subsystems, which can be operated together, or one at a time. This approach not only provides redundancy, but also the freedom to choose the optimum location of the frequency converter within a turbine system.
The liquid-cooled converter is available for full converter systems with permanent magnet or asynchronous generators, and for doubly-fed asynchronous generators covering powers up to 5 MW as standard. Higher ratings are engineered according to customer demand.
Meeting Grid Codes around the World
The liquid-cooled converter is equipped with the latest software and hardware developments to support the grid compliance of an individual turbine in any given locale. Compliance with local grid codes is essential and highly dependant on the functionality of the frequency converter. ABB has extensive experience in providing converters that support compliance of wind turbine with grid codes such as E.ON, R.E.E and FERC Order 661.
Ready for Factory Installation; No Encoder Feedback from Generator Shaft Required
The new products are available with output ratings in the 1 to 5 MW range. As a result, the drive can be factory-installed by the turbine manufacturer or OEM, avoiding costly and time-consuming work on site. Scalability means that the same modules can be used for different turbine designs, allowing easier maintenance and servicing, and reduced training needs.
Direct Torque Control (DTC) is used to provide fast and accurate speed and torque control, without the need for pulse encoder feedback from the shaft. DTC offers a number of benefits, including robust operating characteristics, high availability and reliability, and high-quality output with low harmonics. Thanks to DTC, the drives maintain good output quality in different wind conditions that vary from light to gusting, and they also tolerate fluctuations in the power network. The use of DTC also helps to decrease audible noise from the generator, which reduces the overall environmental impact. Electrical and reactive power can be controlled independently.
Easy Remote Control and Diagnostics
PC-based tools make commissioning and service operations straightforward. In addition to the normal fieldbus communications options, a built-in intelligent Ethernet module permits remote maintenance, monitoring and even control. Diagnostic routines can be performed via the Internet or a telecoms line, and the module can trigger alarms in the event of a malfunction. Remote access helps to reduce maintenance costs and minimize downtime.
ABB, Automation Products, Low Voltage Drives, is the world's largest manufacturer of electric motors and drives. In the USA, an integrated channel of sales representatives, distributors, and system integrators allow ABB, New Berlin, Wisconsin, to supply a complete line of energy-efficient electric drives, motors and engineered drive systems to a wide range of industrial and commercial customers. Products manufactured include AC and DC variable speed drives for electric motors from 1/8th through 135,000 HP, and application-specific drive system solutions to meet diverse customer needs (http://www.abb.us/drives).
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people.
Ken Graber
ABB LV Products
ken.j.graber@us.abb.com
Contacts:
General Information:
Ken Graber
USA
 E-mail this person
Company Information:
Name: ABB Automation
Address: 2487 S. Commerce Dr.
City: New Berlin
State: WI
ZIP: 53151
Country: USA
Phone: 262-785-3400
FAX: 262-785-0342
http://www.abb.us
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