Control System optimizes wind turbine grid integration.
Press Release Summary:
WindINERTIA technology allows wind turbines to provide inertial response for large, short-duration frequency deviations. Utilizing mechanical inertia of turbine rotor, it enables operating turbine to increase power output by 5-10% of its rated power, over wide range of wind speeds. Duration of power increase is several seconds and benefits grid by allowing time for other non-wind power generation assets to increase power production during large under-frequency events.
Original Press Release:
GE Energy Unveils WindINERTIA, Latest Technology Designed to Enhance Grid Integration Capabilities of Wind Turbines
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - March 17, 2009 - GE Energy introduces WindINERTIA, the latest in a series of continuing technology advancements to help move the wind industry forward. WindINERTIA joins the GE suite of grid integration products designed to give wind turbines the capability to meet transmission reliability standards similar to those demanded of thermal generators.
Grid integration of wind turbines is critical to the performance of a wind installation. GE's WindINERTIA feature allows wind turbines to provide an inertial response for large, short-duration frequency deviations through a control system upgrade, to enhance grid reliability and operation.
By utilizing the mechanical inertia of the turbine rotor, GE's WindINERTIA control enables an operating turbine to increase its power output by 5-10% of its rated turbine power, over a wide range of wind speeds. The duration of the power increase is several seconds and benefits the grid by allowing time for other non-wind power generation assets to increase power production during large under-frequency events.
GE's WindINERTIA control enables wind power plant operators to meet inertial response grid requirements without additional hardware, or adverse effects on turbine life, and without impacting annual energy production.
The WindINERTIA control is available for GE's 1.5-megawatt wind turbine. The GE 1.5-megawatt machine is the world's most widely used wind turbine, with 12,000 now installed around the globe. The GE fleet of installed 1.5-megawatt wind turbines has exceeded 125 million operating hours. WindINERTIA will also be available for the 2.5-megawatt wind turbine in 2010. The 2.5xl represents GE Energy's most advanced wind turbine in terms of efficiency, reliability and grid connection capabilities, and is designed to yield the highest annual energy production in its class.
About GE Energy
GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2008 revenue of $29.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE's corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.
About GE
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.
For more information contact:
Milissa Rocker
GE Energy
t: +1 518 385 2381
e: milissa.rocker@ge.com
