American Superconductor Wind Energy Solutions

 

Making wind power feasible. Keeping it reliable. 

Wind energy is today’s fastest growing power source. At the end of 2009, global installed capacity exceeded 150 gigawatts (GW), enough power for more than 45 million U.S. homes. Within a decade, this market is projected to quadruple to more than 600 GW.

As transmission grids integrate ever-increasing levels of wind power, wind farm operators must devote attention 24/7 to some significant technical and power quality challenges: 

Challenge #1: VAR fluctuation

As induction-type generators, most wind turbines absorb significant VARs (Volt-Amperes Reactive) from the power grid. VAR levels will fluctuate with a wind turbine’s power output — and considering the weather-dependent nature of wind turbine operation, those fluctuations can be dramatic. When VAR variations are uncompensated, severe voltage fluctuations result and the power quality and reliability of the local grid are compromised. 

Challenge #2: Exceptional stresses on grid equipment

Switched capacitors have been the traditional solution to conditions of significant VAR fluctuation variability. However, anywhere from 50 to 100 switching events per day can be the norm at a wind farm — reducing the lifespan of the switches.

Furthermore, the large step changes in voltage that accompany normal capacitor switching can overstress the costly, high-maintenance gearboxes of wind turbines. 

Challenge #3: Low voltage conditions

When transient voltage events force voltage levels below tolerance thresholds, wind turbine generators can trip offline. Today’s wind farms should be equipped with Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) capabilities to prevent these disturbances.

AMSC enables you to connect with the wind dependably.

Wind farm operators worldwide rely on American Superconductor solutions to optimize turbine operation and output, and meet wind farm-to-power grid interconnection standards. 

AMSC Solutions for Wind Energy



 

 

D-VAR® Systems 

Scalable, mobile, cost-effective STATCOMs
Comprising an integrated array of AMSC’s PowerModule power converters, a D-VAR (Dynamic VAR) system regulates and stabilizes voltage levels by injecting dynamic reactive power (VARs) into the power grid in precise amounts. Highly scalable and mobile, D-VAR devices can be installed in power grids at locations that need the greatest amount of VAR support.

     >>Learn about AMSC D-VAR Systems.

D-VAR® RT

Easy-to-install ride through assurance
Installable inside or outside of individual turbine towers, the patent-pending D-VAR RT product meets the challenges of voltage regulation, power factor correction and low- and high-voltage ride through. Introduced in 2009, this system has gained rapid international acceptance, as wind farm developers, owners and operators bring legacy turbines into compliance with new regulatory requirements, such as Spain’s interconnection requirement P.O.12.3.

     >>Learn about AMSC D-VAR RT Systems. 

PowerModule™ Power Converters

A flexible solution for smaller wind farms
Installed in the wind turbine, the AMSC’s PowerModule product can provide power flow control and LVRT capability on par with our external D-VAR solution. Highly power dense (130 W/ in3), fully programmable, flexible and modular, it can be installed in a wide range of turbine makes and models.

     >>Learn about PowerModule Power Converters.

AMSC Windtec®

Custom turbine designs and engineering from the ground up
With more than a dozen customers worldwide, AMSC Windtec is one of the world's leading wind turbine engineering companies. AMSC Windtec delivers complete, proprietary designs for high-quality and highly efficient wind turbines. Furthermore, AMSC Windtec provides all the support services necessary to move rapidly from design into production.

     >>Learn about AMSC Windtec.

 

Events

1-6 August - ASC10 Applied Superconductivity Conference
AMSC Exhibiting

5-6 August - Windpower STATCOM Seminar
AMSC Workshop

More Events »

About Us

AMSC offers an array of proprietary technologies and solutions spanning the electric power infrastructure – from generation to delivery to end use. The company is a leader in alternative energy, providing proven, megawatt-scale wind turbine designs and electrical control systems.

More About Us »