Market Trends Wind Energy Introduction (LC)

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Market trends: wind energy

As connectivity and energy are the core functionalities of smart grids, those are the latest trends in this market:


Wind inverter

In wind farms, there is a trend towards gearless systems then need an inverter

If a wind turbine is equipped with an inverter, then they can feed energy into the grid at different wind strengths, because the voltage and frequency of the supply voltage of the rotational speed of the rotor are independent.

Pitch control

To regulate the speed and to adapt to the wind conditions

Large wind turbines in particular are equipped with the ability to adjust the angle of attack of the blade. To regulate this angle of attack (pitch), a pitch-control circuit is required. This has either a hydraulic or electric motor.

Yaw control

Generator tower can be rotated into or out of the wind

The rotation of the complete generator tower of a wind turbine controls an electronic system known as yaw control. Thus, the generator tower can be rotated into or out of the wind. Normally, this is done with an electric motor.

Programmable Logic Controller (MM)

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Programmable logic controller

Control and regulate the overall functionality of a wind turbine

To control and regulate the overall functionality of a wind turbine, a PLC (programmable logic controller) is used in most instances today. In a PLC, a user-supplied programme specifies how, according to certain input variables, the outputs should be switched. The switching behaviour can also be changed by modifying the software.

Condition Monitoring Systems (MM)

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Condition monitoring systems

A system for monitoring conditions (condition monitoring system) continuously monitors certain physical parameters of a system

To detect the signs of impending (partial) failure and to prevent the failure through targeted maintenance.Through condition monitoring, it is possible to lower maintenance costs because specific (wear and tear) parts must not be preventatively replaced according to certain maintenance regulations – only when they are at the end of their useful life. For example, the monitoring of temperature, pressure, vibration, twists, etc., in wind turbines. If necessary, condition monitoring can also be an emergency shut-down for a wind turbine (ergo: a turn away from the wind).