Alencon Wind Systems

There are several ways to utilize Alencon inverter systems in a wind installation. The most basic of which being the placement of a collection of GrIPs inside the nacelle of a wind turbine, thus converting the rectified DC voltage from one synchronous generator into AC.

Alternatively, a group of turbines can be combined to form a cluster, connected to a single inverter system within a turbine. GrIP modules are designed to operate at 2500V DC, which reduces transmission losses and reduces conductor sizes.

The third and most promising method calls for the connection of several turbines in series, increasing the voltage with each additional generator in the string. The resulting high voltage DC (HVDC) provides inexpensive and efficient means to transmit power to the shore. The on-shore Alencon inverter system then consists of several GrIP modules also strung in series, providing input voltage capabilities as high as 50kV. With this implementation the Alencon System not only reduces installation and cabling costs, but also greatly increases both the serviceability and reliability of an entire offshore wind farm. Major components such as inverters and transformers are located on land in a centralized location and are easily accessible.

In combination with any of these methods, the immersive SCADA system provides various benefits including the ability to monitor wind speed, power output and on-board diagnostics for each of the individual turbines. With this the performance and health of the entire cluster of turbines can be supervised from afar.