Utility THE TECHNOLOGY

Simplicity by Design

Using breakthrough advances in permanent magnet generator and power electronics technology, the Northwind 2.2 represents the next generation in wind turbine technology. It is a based on a vastly simplified architecture that utilizes a unique combination of permanent magnet generators and advanced direct-drive design. 

The Northwind 2.2 drivetrain design eliminates the need for a high torque gearbox, greatly simplifying the design while removing a major area of failure in competing wind turbines. The turbine blade rotor is connected directly to the slow-speed PM generator rotor, with no separate gearbox, main shaft, bearing set, or couplings required. This simple design transmits operating loads more directly to the tower, with a minimum number of parts in the load path. 

Northern Power’s PM generator technology eliminates the need for rotor field windings, a field excitation system, and field circuit slip rings. The elimination of field circuit losses results in a higher overall turbine efficiency, especially at partial load operation.  

The generator output is connected to the grid through Northern Power’s award-winning FlexPhase power converter. The FlexPhase/Wind power converter’s innovative design offers high efficiency, extremely high output power quality, low generator stress, and advanced grid support and ride-through capabilities. The power converter, matched and optimized for operation with the low speed generator, uses rack-out modules for fast and easy service.

Technology Highlights

Advanced Sectional PM Generator

• 20% less weight of magnet materials
• 75% fewer stator coil assemblies
• Higher power density
• Easier to fabricate and assemble

FlexPhase Active Rectifier Power Converter

• Software-enabled advanced topology
• 40% fewer IGBTs
• 50% fewer capacitors

Overall Design

• Redundant power paths
• Sectional/Modular = field replaceable + higher reliability
• 2006 American Wind Energy Association Technology Award