The generation of energy using wind power plants has to be efficient, economically viable and reliable, even under tough conditions. At this year’s Husum WindEnergy trade fair, Siemens presented a new gearless wind generator capable of meeting these requirements while also offering a high degree of flexibility. The Direct Drive Wind is based on a modular technology platform, with the generator not manufactured as a single unit, but put together from preassembled segments. This enables versatile realisation of the most varied plant designs with a selection of different bearing concepts, voltage levels and cooling methods from a modular component range. Both internal and external rotor concepts are possible and outputs of up to 10 MW can be attained.
This modular approach also simplifies the assembly and logistics associated with the new generator, meaning that customised solutions can be installed in particular turbines from a range of individual segments, either during pre-assembly or directly at the installation location itself. Since the generator does not have to be transported as a whole, the logistic operations are simple. During the final assembly, individual segments are arranged side by side on the central bearing unit and then bolted to neighbouring segments until the ring is closed. Neither final assembly nor the transport of the mounted generator pairs are affected by magnetic forces.
In order to produce electricity from wind economically, generators must provide maximum energy yields as reliably as possible. The Direct Drive Wind generator, designed as a multi-pole, permanent magnet synchronous machine, is able to achieve high levels of efficiency. On the one hand, this is due to the integrated design, which obviates the need for a dedicated generator bearing and thus contributes to reducing losses generated by bearing frictions. On the other hand, the high level of efficiency results from the elimination of excitation and gear losses. The reduction of complexity and the lack of excitation equipment such as slip rings also facilitate excellent reliability with minimal maintenance requirements. This proves itself to be a considerable advantage, particularly with regard to the extensive repair logistics on offshore wind farms.
With the Norwegian wind turbine manufacturer Blaaster Wind Technologies, Siemens has both a pilot customer and a development partner with numerous years of experience in the wind energy market at its side. The first joint prototype of the Direct Drive Wind turbine from Blaaster, including the integrated fully segmented wind generator from Siemens Industry, has been installed in Valsneset, Norway.
Compact, high density power protection system for AI, data centre and large-scale electrical workloads Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Galaxy VXL – a highly efficient, compact, modular, scalable and redundant 500-1250 kW (400 V) 3-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS), complete with enhanced cybersecurity, software and safety features.
Read more...Taking the pain out of panel building Omron Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
Panel building stands as a cornerstone of industrial automation, shaping the efficiency and reliability of automated systems across different and diverse industries, from manufacturing to infrastructure. Omron leverages over 80 years of experience to furnish OEMs and builders with cutting-edge control panel solutions.
Read more...Powerless is not an option
Electrical Power & Protection
When the power goes out it is important for commercial and tertiary facilities to be able to keep essential electrical equipment running. UPS systems are critical for transitioning and emergency backup power.
Read more...Securing the power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
Grid management systems are the linchpin of modern transmission and distribution networks. To understand the intricacies of grid management, it is necessary to unpack its core components: scada systems, energy management systems, outage management systems and wide area management systems.
Read more...Powering sustainable mining operations in Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s mining sector is at a crossroads and, as the industry grapples with mounting pressure to drive operational efficiency within the boundaries of sustainability, natural gas is emerging as a compelling solution.
Read more...Multimeters: the perfect entry-level choice Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Experience the precision, durability and safety of professional-grade test tools with the entry level Fluke 15B+ and 17B+ digital multimeters.
Read more...ABB technology powers three substations in Uganda ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB delivered solutions for three substations run by Uganda’s leading utility, Umeme Limited, which manages and operates the state-owned leased electricity distribution network assets.
Read more...A snapshot of South Africa’s electricity market over the next six years
Electrical Power & Protection
At the beginning of the year, the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act came into effect, promising to facilitate “an open market platform that allows for competitive electricity trading.” This article focuses on providing a roadmap for the competitive, multi-market electricity trading platform that the ERAA intends to establish.
Read more...Empowering businesses to prosper as prosumers Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As more businesses adopt renewable energy solutions like rooftop solar and energy storage they become prosumers – both consumers and producers of energy – a trend that presents organisations with a significant opportunity to engage in the bi-directional flow of energy through distributed energy resources.
printer friendly version