Technologies
Variable Speed Control
GE technology features unique variable speed control technology to maximize energy capture from the wind and minimize turbine drivetrain loads.
Unique Wind Volt-Amp-Reactive ("WindVAR") Technology
GE's unique dynamic power conversion system with optional WindVAR control provides support and control to local grid voltage, improving transmission efficiencies and providing the utility grid with reactive power (VARs), increasing grid stability. GE technology, outfitted with its unique WindVAR option, automatically maintains defined grid voltage levels and power quality in fractions of a second. This feature is particularly beneficial with weaker grids or larger turbine installations.
Low Voltage Ride-Thru Technology
GE has just taken wind power electronics to the next level of performance. Wind turbines can now, for the first time, remain online and feed reactive power to the electric grid right through major system disturbances. GE's innovative Low Voltage Ride-Thru (LVRT) feature enables wind turbines to meet transmission reliability standards similar to those demanded of thermal generators. LVRT adds significant new resiliency to wind farm operations at the time when more utilities require it.
Advanced Electronics
Through its advanced electronics, the GE wind turbine's control system continually adjusts the wind turbine's blade pitch angle to enable it to achieve optimum rotational speed and maximum lift-to-drag at each wind speed. This "variable speed" operation maximizes the turbine's ability to remain at the highest level efficiency. In contrast, fixed speed wind turbines only attain peak efficiency at one wind speed. The result: greater annual energy production yield as compared to machines operating at constant speed.
Additionally, while constant speed rotors must be designed to deflect high wind gust loads, GE's variable speed operation enables the loads from the gust to be absorbed and converted to electric power. Generator torque is controlled through the frequency converter. This control strategy allows the turbine rotor to overspeed operation in strong, gusty winds, thereby reducing torque loads in the drivetrain. Our variable speed wind turbine converts the extra energy in wind gusts to electric power. The GE turbine's operating speed range is notably wider than the "slip" range used by other technologies, which produce heat rather than electric power when regulating power in strong, gusty winds.
Active Damping
GE's variable speed system also provides active damping of the entire wind turbine system, resulting in considerably less tower oscillation when compared to constant speed wind turbines. Active damping of the machine also limits peak torque, providing greater drivetrain reliability, reduced maintenance cost and longer turbine life.