Medium-speed full converter electrical drivetrain package

ABB’s offering for medium-speed full converter concepts includes permanent magnet generators and full power converters suitable for onshore or offshore turbines. Generator stator contactors and main circuit breakers complete the ABB drivetrain offering.

Full converter concept

In the full converter concept, the converter decouples the generator and the mechanical drivetrain from the grid. All of the generated power flows through the converter to the grid. Synchronous (permanent magnet) and asynchronous generators are typically used. The converter provides the generator’s torque and speed control.  

Advantages compared to the doubly-fed concept:

• Decouples the generator from the grid
• Reduces mechanical shocks on the turbine during grid faults
• Increased grid code compliance
• Enables full speed range
• Increases annual power yield
• Full reactive power production
• Full control of the power

Medium-speed full converter concept

With the medium-speed full converter (MSFC) concept, either a single or two-stage gear box is used with a compact, medium-speed permanent magnet generator (up to 500 rpm).

Advantages:

• Lower speeds reduce mechanical stress Low weight and size