With the Voith WinDrive generating electricity just as effectively as a conventional power plant, reliably and converter-less.
The Voith WinDrive is a highly dynamic, variable speed drive for use with wind turbines over 2 MW. The WinDrive converts the wind rotor's variable speed into a constant output speed suitable for the generator. This enables the device to generate electricity just as effectively as a conventional power plant, reliably , converter-less and without placing a strain on the network.
Functionality
The WinDrive works like the variable automatic transmission in a vehicle. It converts a variable speed into a constant output speed. The design of the WinDrive is based on a hydrodynamic torque converter combined with a planetary gear.
Advantages, benefits
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High power feed-in quality:
The synchronous generator can generate electricity that matches the quality of conventional power plants, thereby guaranteeing control of reactive power and grid stabilization.
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High reliability:
The omission of the frequency converter and step-up transformers minimizes the wind turbine's complexity. The frequency of malfunctions and downtimes are reduced, considerably increasing availability.
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High efficiency:
The speed of the wind rotor varies with differing wind speeds. As the WinDrive is designed for variable-speed operation, the optimum aerodynamic position for the wind rotor is always maintained. The synchronous generator works at medium voltage level, which reduces losses due to transformers and cables.
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Less maintenance:
Synchronous generators without slip rings reduce the complexity of wind turbines, and therefore the servicing required. The WinDrive has response times in the millisecond range, thereby producing a considerable load reduction in the drive train during dynamic load conditions in the drive. The service life of assemblies that conduct power is increased.
