AMSC Launches Modular Power Converter For Wind Power Market

American Superconductor Corp. (AMSC) announced the launch of its proprietary PowerModule PM3000W power converter, a fully programmable, flexible and modular power converter developed specifically for wind power applications. This highly scalable solution is designed for rapid integration into a wide range of wind turbines with power ratings from 750kW – the basic PM3000W building block – up to 6MW.

AMSC states that it developed the PM3000W converter based on its core capabilities in power electronics hardware and software, the design and licensing of wind turbines, knowledge gained in the deployment of thousands of PowerModule PM1000 converters in wind turbines, and the company’s experience connecting wind farms to power grids utilizing its proprietary D-VAR® solution.

AMSC states that its PowerModule converters are power dense, scalable and programmable, allowing them to be readily customized for many electrical applications. Wind-specific PM3000W converters incorporate algorithms and external communication protocols to enable universal generator connectivity. The product has successfully passed extensive factory testing and rigorous field testing in operating wind farms, and the company has already booked pre-launch orders for more than 3,300 PM3000W converters from customers in Canada (AAER Inc.), China (Sinovel Wind, CSR-ZELRI and Dongfang Steam Turbine Works), Germany (Fuhrländer AG) and India (Ghodawat Industries). AMSC shipped the first PM3000W converters to customers in September 2008.

The PM3000W converter utilizes thermally and mechanically enhanced Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) and features wind power specific controls and interfaces, low voltage ride through (LVRT) support, ground fault protection and mono-frame construction with slide mounts. Rated at 750kW, the PM3000W converter’s compact design yields a power density of up to 130 W/in.³ (7.9 W/cm³). In addition, multiple PM3000W power converters can be configured in parallel to create higher power-rated converter systems up to 6MW for all types of wind generators.

PM3000W converters incorporate advanced grid compatibility controls. This enables its use with asynchronous, synchronous, induction and permanent magnet generators in wind turbines running at either 50 or 60Hz. AMSC offers PM3000W converters as a stand-alone product. Through its Windtec™ subsidiary, AMSC also provides customized wind turbine electrical systems and core electrical components, which include the PM3000W converter, pitch and yaw controls and SCADA systems.