A case study exploring the use of Parker SSD Drives to power wind turbines was recently conducted.

Problem

Due to the high prices of fossil fuels, as well as the increasingly stringent regulations regarding power plant emissions, a growing market for alternative energy like wind power are on the horizon.  A particular US manufacturer which is an OEM of wind turbines in the 60kW range was in need of a system solution which included a generator with grid tie inverter, angular position (yaw) control, and a supervisory control panel for their new compact product line.  In order to achieve the best efficiency and reliability, they wanted to avoid using a costly and failure-prone speed increasing gear drive between the turbine rotor and the generator.  They rather opted for a direct drive approach.

Solution

Parker’s SSD Drives Division provided a package that included all necessary power conversion components in a pre-assembled system cabinet.  The AC890 drive with active front end was employed as an efficient grid tie inverter – taking variable power output from the turbine generator and returning it to the power grid, and in so doing reducing the user’s electric power bill.  The generator, a Parker PMAC torque motor, couples directly to the turbine rotor; the need for gearing is thus eliminated.  A second AC890 drive operates a Parker servo motor that rotates the turbine into the wind to optimize output.  Supervisory control is provided by a TS8000 series HMI that is mounted on the cabinet door.

Outcome

The Parker direct drive torque motor solution allowed the customer to eliminate the gearbox, which is the component that most commonly fails in wind turbines.

Success Factors

• The ability to design and build a custom, packaged system for the customer with a reasonable lead time and at a competitive price.
• Product line depth that includes drives, HMI, and motors.
• The capability to provide a complete system that is pre-wired, pre-configured, and single-sourced.
• Parker Hannifin credibility in and dedication to the wind power market.

Customer Value

• System approach requires no assembly time for customer.
• At an average wind speed of 15 miles per hour, the system will generate about 160,000 kilowatt hours of free electric power per year.
• Single source for electronics, motor, and generator ensures compatibility.
• Global Parker sales and service provides peace of mind to end users.

Featured Products: AC890 and Compax3 drives, AC650V inverters

Market: Alternative Energy/Windpower

Customer: USA_Global_Export