Innovation Cluster Power Electronics for Regenerative Energy Supply at IWES (Innovation Cluster)

Today, power electronic frequency converters are widely used in all modern wind energy plants. As link between generator and plant transformer, they connect wind turbines to the power grid. In addition, they are used in electric pitch systems and sporadically in azimuth systems for driving a motor. One major challenge is to guarantee for the high reliability of these power electronic components which are so important for the functioning of the plants especially in offshore applications.

Within the scope of the innovation cluster, all relevant failure causes and mechanisms in existing wind turbine converter systems are investigated with the aim to develop methods that are suitable to increase the reliability in existing and future systems. Moreover, condition monitoring systems shall be developed enabling an early detection of status changes in power electronic components, thus contributing to eliminate severe damages and reduce downtimes. Another focus is on the investigation of innovative fault-tolerant converter systems increasing the reliability.

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