Motion and control technologies specialist Parker Hannifin is providing power conversion systems and generators for a new wind turbine design from Green Energy Technologies
WindCube is a rooftop wind turbine for on-site power generation by commercial and industrial users in urban and suburban locations. Due in part to the turbine’s specialised control system, it is considerably more productive than conventional models, able to produce the same amount of energy in a 22 x 22 x 12ft framework as a traditional turbine with blades measuring 50ft in diameter.
Parker's control system includes a main AC890 grid-tie inverter and a smaller AC890 motor drive for the turbine’s yaw mechanism. These devices communicate with one another over Ethernet, and can be controlled using an operator-friendly touch-screen. Everything is mounted and wired in a control cabinet for ease of installation at the site. In addition to the electronics, Parker is also providing the PMAC generator and a servo motor for the yaw mechanism, and pre-configured cable sets.
Using this technology, WindCube is able to capture and amplify the wind, meeting the need for a wind turbine with a small footprint. The turbine is available from Green Energy Technologies as a single (60kW) or dual (120kW) system, and in rooftop or tower-mounted design. Further modifications are also possible to satisfy a customer's electrical requirements.
Parker is committed to the development of innovative sustainable energy solutions, and its SSD Drives division has applied and adapted over 30 years’ experience in industrial drive technology to this market. With a proven control algorithm and robust IGBT power platform, the AC890 series offers reliability and ease of use with both induction and permanent magnet AC generators, as well as performing as a motor drive.
