Design and Construction Considerations for WTSU Transformers

Posted: Aug, 25 - 2009

Published: Aug, 27 - 2009

Format: application/pdf

No Of Pages: 4 pages

Language: English

Abstract

The conversion of wind energy to electrical power is one of the world's fastest growing industries. In the US alone, wind power capacity has grown by a sizable average of 29% a year for last five years; wind power now contributes a little over 1% of the total US energy requirement. Giant sprawling 'wind farms' will soon step off the trade magazine spreads and become a common sight.
 

Like with any other electrical transmission and distribution system, power transformers are at the very heart of power generation using wind energy. The initial design of a transformer can have profound implications on the future profitability of wind farms and thus, design and construction of transformers specifically for use in wind farms - including Wind Turbine Step-Up (WTSU) Transformers - assumes critical significance.
 

Even though wind generation technology has shown marked improvement over the last few years, it continues to present some important system design, control and operation challenges. If these issues are not properly addressed at the right time, they may lead to significant system disturbances especially when interconnected with the existing power grid.

Wind Turbine 101
 

A wind turbine is a prominent symbol of the huge renewable energy generation market.
 

Wind turns the turbine blades, which spin a generator shaft and creates electricity. A local transformer is then used to 'step up' the electrical voltage, so that the electricity can then be delivered through transmission and distribution lines to domestic users.

Wind turbines generally produce electricity when winds are at speeds of 8 mph or more. They shut down when wind speeds exceed 55 - 60 mph, for safety reasons.