The market has largely been dominated by the doubly-fed concept, but there are several factors driving a shift toward full-converter, including grid code compliance and optimized power generation at slower wind speeds.
Each of the electrical drivetrain concepts impact the turbine’s weight, size and maintenance needs. Selecting an electrical drivetrain concept needs to be done carefully, weighing the requirements of the turbine with the needed certifications and grid code specifications that apply once the turbine is installed.
Once the electrical drivetrain concept is selected, expert ABB engineers are available to work with the manufacturer to discuss and integrate ABB products into the turbine engineering drawings, specifications and plans. Turbine manufacturers benefit from ABB’s experience, resulting in design cost savings and increased efficiencies. The following section provides a more detailed overview of each of the electrical drivetrain concepts for use by manufacturers during their concept studies.