Study on failure mechanisms and avoidance in generator systems finalized
Thursday January 7, 2016 15:19
Within WP1, the aim is to improve the availability of electric generator systems by using modular conversion system concepts that are fault tolerant, re-configurable, and self-healing. To address failure rates and improve reliability, an extensive study has been performed on the mechanisms of the failures that occur in wind turbine generator systems and their probabilities.
Furthermore, a study has been conducted on the opportunities for fault avoidance, as the elimination of certain failure mechanisms it can be very successful in improving the reliability of wind turbine electrical systems. More specifically, the following possibilities are investigated:
- using press-pack semiconductors to eliminate certain failure mechanisms in power semiconductors
- replacement of magnetic stator wedges with non-magnetic wedges
- improvement brush-slip ring system that reduces wear
- elimination of the brush-slip ring by the use of the Brushless Doubly Fed Induction Generator
- reliability oriented control.