Teaming up to develop a game changer in converter systems

Experts from KK Wind Solutions, PowerCon, PowerCon Embedded and Aalborg University are working side by side to develop and manufacture an entirely new modular medium-voltage converter for wind turbines. The aim is to develop technology with improved features and lower cost, compared to today’s available solutions.

“There is a need to take the next technological step in the converter area, and in this project, we are combining the most competent and experienced resources from our organisations, covering all aspects of development, operation, verification, manufacturing and certification,“ says CTO René Balle, KK Wind Solutions.

The project, initiated in 2014, consists of seven stages – from requirement specifications to a commercialised system, ready for production. The focus will be on value-adding technical features and ensuring that the system supports the growing turbine requirements, explains Allan Holm Jørgensen, PowerCon co-founder.

“The common systems today are either low voltage two-level converters or medium voltage systems that in some cases offer increased efficiency, but at a higher cost. In this project we will build on the technical benefits from the known systems to match the future turbine needs without compromising the overall driver of lowering the cost of the system,” says Allan Holm Jørgensen.

PowerCon is a privately owned company, specialising in power conversion in wind turbines, and with competencies across all aspects within software, hardware, cooling, mechanics and project management from the generator shaft to grid connection.

The project budget of approx. 30 million DKK is jointly funded by the participants and EUDP – the Energy technology Development and Demonstration Programme under the Danish Energy Agency (Energistyrelsen).