GENERAL ELECTRIC, GE WIND TURBINES

 

            INTRODUCTION

 

            The GE 1.5 MW wind turbines are active yaw and pitch regulated with power/torque control capability and an asynchronous generator.  The yaw system is electro-mechanically driven with wind direction sensor and automatic cable unwinding.  Power is varied using active blade pitch control.  The blade pitch angle is continually adjusted for optimum rotational speed and maximum lift-to-drag at each wind speed.

            The variable speed operation ensures the turbines work at high efficiency, while fixed speed wind turbines only reach peak efficiency at one wind speed.  While constant speed rotors must deflect high wind gust loads, the variable speed operation absorbs the loads from the gust and converts them to electric power.  Cut-in and cut-out wind speeds are 3 m/s and 25 m/s respectively.  The three blades give a rotor diameter of 77 m with a swept area of 4,657 mē.  Rotor speed is variable between 10.1 rpm and 20.4 rpm.

 

 

Nacelle (1), Heat Exchanger (2), Generator (3), Control Panel (4), Main Frame (5), Impact Noise Reduction (6), Hydraulic Parking Brake (7), Gearbox (8), Impact Noise Reduction (9), Yaw Drive (10 and 11), Main Shaft (12), Oil Cooler (13), Pitch Drive (14), Rotor Hub (15) and Nose Cone (16).

 

Fig. 1: GE 1.5 MW Wind turbine Nacelle.

 

            OVERSPEED IN STRONG, GUSTY WINDS

 

            Generator torque in the turbines is controlled by the frequency converter.  The turbine rotor can over speed in strong, gusty winds to reduce torque loads in the drive train.  GE's turbines store the energy in gusts by accelerating the rotor.  Operating speed range is notably wider than the slip range used by other wind generators, which produce heat rather than electric power when regulating power in strong, gusty winds.

            The conversion system generates reactive power or current leading voltage to improve transmission efficiencies and voltage stability, particularly useful in weak grid applications.  It automatically maintains defined grid voltage levels and power quality in fractions of a second.

 

            FAIL SAFE BRAKING AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION

 

            The wind generator's fail-safe braking system has electromechanical pitch control for each blade with three self-contained systems and a hydraulic parking brake.  Lightning receptors are installed on blade tips, with surge protection for the electrical components.

            The turbines can remain on-line and feed reactive power to the electric grid right through major system disturbances.  A Low Voltage Ride Thru (LVRT) feature enables wind turbines to meet transmission reliability standards similar to those demanded of thermal generators.

            Active damping of the entire wind turbine system gives less tower oscillation than constant speed wind turbines.  Active damping also limits peak torque, providing greater drive train reliability, reduced maintenance cost and longer turbine life.  The bedplate drive train design means that all nacelle components are joined on a common structure for durability.  There is a three-step planetary spur gear system, with both generator and gearbox supported by elastomeric elements to minimize noise emissions.