Wind Power

Wind power generation is susceptible to fluctuations in the reactive power outlay based on wind speed variations. While these can be compensated broadly at an individual wind turbine level, there can be substantial difference in the reactive power needs at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) due to the combined effects of all wind turbines, transformers, transmission lines etc. It is necessary to confirm to the grid codes for interconnection of the wind farms to the utility transmission lines at the PCC. International grid codes, for instance, require a Fault Ride Through / Low-Voltage Ride Through facility that maintains the windfarm support to the grid during faults by having provision for substantial short-time reactive power available to maintain wind generation.

Aartech is associated as a value added system integrator with M/s S&C USA for their PureWave DSTATCOM , a proven power quality product with a large and successful installation base worldwide.

S&C’s PureWave DSTATCOM Distributed Static Compensator is a fast-compensating reactive power source that is applied on the transmission or distribution system to reduce voltage variations such as sags, surges, and flicker, along with instability caused by rapidly varying reactive power demand. PureWave DSTATCOM can also help provide quick recovery for the transmission system after contingency events such as loss of part of the system or individual equipment.

For building wind farm infrastructure, Aartech offers a range of Unitized Substations as per customer specific requirements to take care of key logistical challenges in remote locations. Aartech utilizes its experience, networking and knowledge in the electrical infrastructure space, and works with its customers to understand their requirements, suggest value added features and facilities and provide turnkey end-to-end solutions for unitized power management in coordination with in-house resources as well as strategic business partners around the world.

Since, fault currents from individual wind power generation is limited, the use of lower fault rating equipment is quite widespread. However, fault levels at a system level may get compromised during re-configurations / capacity additions or operational considerations such as closing of tie breakers and grid interconnections. Even having fault levels within breaker handling capabilities, there is a considered need to reduce the fault energy, for eg. in the event of a transformer fault where severe consequential damages have been known to happen.

Aartech’s fault current limiting solutions provided as a value added system integrator of M/s G&W USA offers internationally proven CLiP® Fault Current Limiter to customers all over Asia.

Energy harvesting solutions for micro wind power generation can enable a major change in the use of distributed energy for areas where such sources are readily available. For eg. such energy can be readily stored and used on demand to power portable handheld devices such as cell phones, radios, computers , tools, instruments etc.

Aartech’s FaraDigm™ Ultracapacitors have a wide range of ratings to suit energy harvesting requirements. Some offerings also provide for a flexible form factor, making it adaptable to the end use application very effectively.

Wind Power farms having turbines with electrical pitch control systems require a power source that can respond to frequent short bursts of power for adjustment of the blades for a large number of cycles. In emergencies such as loss of grid power and dangerous wind over-speed conditions as well as maintenance requirements, the individual autonomous pitch control systems of each blade is required to bring the rotor to a halt by relying entirely on the pitching power supply.  Batteries have inherent limitations for such application, and require periodic checking, maintenance and replacements which results in downtime and logistical challenges, since the batteries are located in the rotating hub at the operating height. FaraDigm® Ultracapacitorsmodules provide a long life cycle, high tolerance, solid-state, compact, cost-effective, reliable and maintenance free energy storage system for pitch control. Aartech offers proven pitch control systems customized to wind turbine manufacturer requirements with end-to-end technical support and services.

There are several pulse power applications where wind power can be used, remote monitoring stations for instance, that typically require accumulation of wind energy over a significant period of time and release of power in occasional bursts, say for communications, site operations etc. Further, micro grids with distributed power have challenges in meeting short duty transient loads such as motor/pump starting, compressors etc. These applications need a long life, pulse power capable, wide temperature range, maintenance free, reliable, high duty cycle energy storage system.

FaraDigm® Ultracapacitors have proven performances for such applications with numerous advantages over battery based systems.

Distributed wind power with energy storage can be a site specific solution to enable distributed generation.  Since the source is limited and most such installations aim at providing basic facilities such as lighting which are modest in their load requirement, it is very attractive to consider load limiting from a technical, operational as well as commercial standpoint.

Aartech offers industry rugged LoadChecker solutions to these issues with low rating (< 100W) load limiters at a very affordable cost which are field proven with 1000’s in service.

Aartech’s Control & Relay Panels (CRP) SSD is organized to offer specialized custom built, integrated software engineered solutions involving aspects of protection, metering, communications and control for distributed automation, SCADA and remote telemetry based control and automation solutions.

For building wind farm infrastructure, Aartech offers a range of Unitized Substations as per customer specific requirements to take care of key logistical challenges in remote locations. Aartech utilizes its experience, networking and knowledge in the electrical infrastructure space, and works with its customers to understand their requirements, suggest value added features and facilities and provide turnkey end-to-end solutions for unitized power management in coordination with in-house resources as well as strategic business partners around the world.