An Overview of Windera Technology
The Windera technology is based upon a dynamically controlled, air-cooled, direct-drive, variable speed wirewound generator design. The generator is capable of dynamically reconfiguring its electrical characteristics in real time in order to match changing input speeds and varying grid conditions. This enables the generator to deliver ultra stable AC frequency, voltage, and conditioned power at high efficiencies over a wide range of wind, water flow and grid conditions without the use of complex and expensive power inverters. The generator’s rotor is connected directly to the turbine's low-speed shaft in a “direct drive” configuration which eliminates the need for a gearbox (see Figure 1 below).
Figure 1. “Conventional” vs. “Direct Drive” Wind Turbine Drive Train Application
Stable, Synchronized Power Output with the Grid
A central processing unit within the Windera control unit continuously monitors grid conditions, rotor position, and the generator's output and sends control signals to a series of electronic relays which control the four-stage poles of the stator winding. By dynamically adjusting the stator’s winding configuration and changing the number of stages used in the circuit, the amplitude of the generator’s output can be adjusted over a wide range of wind and water flow speeds in real-time.
Simultaneously, the Windera control unit adjusts the amplitude and phase of the current through the generator's rotor windings which in turn adjusts the frequency and phase of the generator’s output. The result is clean, highly stable AC power synchronized with the grid and produced over a wide range of wind, water flow, or grid conditions without the use of an inverter or gearbox.
The system is fully compliant with both US and European interconnection standards and offers robust voltage and power factor control throughout normal grid operations as well as through system events, resulting in optimized grid performance and improved power generation at substantial savings to wind farm and hydroelectric owners.
Remote Monitoring & Control
The generator’s innovative power control and monitoring system ensures maximum power generation at the highest availabilities while at the same time supporting comprehensive remote monitoring and real-time control including full diagnostic and data collection capabilities. The system’s unique modular design, coupled with the use of field-proven components and ISO 9000 manufacturing standards, ensures the highest level of reliability and cost-effective operation of the Windera generator over its entire service life.
Additionally, Windera’s revolutionary generator design and integrated real-time control and monitoring system enable the Windera generator to produce substantially more electricity over a wider range of input conditions as compared to existing wind and hydroelectric fixed-speed generators. The generator's direct-drive configuration eliminates the need for a gearbox substantially lowering owners’ operations and maintenance costs. Power conditioning and interconnection to the electric grid is managed by the generator’s advanced control and monitoring system which ensures the delivery of highly-stable power under the most adverse conditions and full compliance to grid codes.
Increase Revenue through Greater Power Output
When combined, these capabilities enable owners to produce substantially more electricity at lower costs thereby increasing power plant production and revenues. The Windera Generator has been designed as a stand alone distributive generator which can bypass, compliment, or supplement the electric grid and can also be operated in different orientations in order to accommodate both wind and water-driven applications.
Windera intends to initially market its generator as a replacement solution for the growing number of aging wind turbines throughout North America. Windera also intends to support hydroelectric operators interested in extending the life of their generating assets and increasing production over a wide-range of water conditions.
