Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for interfacing converters and solar power arrays. For example, there is provided a method for interfacing a solar power generation apparatus with an electricity grid. The method can include connecting a first level and a second level of the solar power generation apparatus to a two-level converter. Furthermore, the method can include interfacing the two-level converter with the electricity grid via a four-wire connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling operation of a power converter based on grid conditions are provided. In particular, a first gating voltage can be applied to a switching element of a power converter associated with a wind-driven power generation system. The first gating voltage can be greater than a threshold voltage for the switching element. A grid event associated with an electrical grid coupled to the power generation system can be detected. A second gating voltage can be applied to the gate of the switching element during the detected grid event. The second gating voltage can be greater than the first gating voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling operation of one or more auxiliary circuits in a wind turbine system are provided. For instance, a grid event associated with the wind turbine system can be detected. In response to the grid event, a control signal can be provided to an auxiliary circuit breaker of the wind turbine system. The auxiliary circuit breaker can be associated with one or more auxiliary circuits that are not directly in a power production path of the wind turbine system. The auxiliary circuit breaker can disconnect the one or more auxiliary circuits from the grid based at least in part on the control signal.

Abstract: A system for commissioning a wind turbine is provided. The system includes a test wind turbine, one or more additional wind turbines coupled to the test wind turbine, and a control system. The control system includes a first control module for controlling the one or more additional wind turbines to act as a power source and provide power to the test wind turbine. The control system also includes a second control module for controlling the one or more additional wind turbines to act as a load for dissipating test power generated by the test wind turbine.

Abstract: A system for adjusting environmental operating conditions associated with heat generating components located within a tower of a wind turbine may include a heat generating component located within an interior of the tower, a sensor configured to monitor a heat exchange parameter associated with the wind turbine and a split heat exchange system provided relative to the tower. The split heat exchange system may include a first heat exchanger located within the interior of the tower and a second heat exchanger located exterior to the tower. The system may also include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and the split heat exchange system. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the split heat exchange system based at least in part on the monitored heat exchange parameter to adjust an environmental operating condition associated with the heat generating component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling operation of a power converter based on grid conditions are provided. In particular, a first gating voltage can be applied to a switching element of a power converter associated with a wind-driven power generation system. The first gating voltage can be greater than a threshold voltage for the switching element. A grid event associated with an electrical grid coupled to the power generation system can be detected. A second gating voltage can be applied to the gate of the switching element during the detected grid event. The second gating voltage can be greater than the first gating voltage.

Abstract: Provided is a cable twist allowance system for a wind turbine system. The system includes a sun gear disposed within a tower of wind turbine, a pivot disk connected with the sun gear, a plurality of lever members, each including a plurality of cables and spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other, the plurality of level members being pivotably connected with a surface of the pivot disk and rotatable about the sun gear; and a plurality of compression members, each compression member corresponding to each lever member and adjusting a position of a respective lever member based on a radial force applied to the plurality of cables of the respective lever member.

Abstract: A power conversion system includes a first converter effectively connected in series to a second converter. Each converter has a plurality of output levels. A phase-shifted transformer is coupled to the converters. The phase-shifted transformer has a delta-wound winding and an open star winding. The first converter is coupled to the open star winding and the second converter is coupled to the delta winding. The open star winding is configured for direct connection to either of a load or the open star winding of a second phase-shifted transformer, having a delta winding connected to a third converter. One or more DC voltage sources are each connected to the first and second converters by a respective DC link capacitor. Each DC voltage source is connected to a common power grid by an isolated multiphase transformer winding.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for interfacing converters and solar power arrays. For example, there is provided a method for interfacing a solar power generation apparatus with an electricity grid. The method can include connecting a first level and a second level of the solar power generation apparatus to a two-level converter. Furthermore, the method can include interfacing the two-level converter with the electricity grid via a four-wire connection.

Abstract: A compact stacked power module including a positive direct-current-bus-voltage plate having a positive-plate surface and a negative direct-current-bus-voltage plate having a negative-plate surface. The compact stacked power module also includes an alternating-current output plate having opposing first and second output-plate surfaces, a first semiconductor switch contacting the negative-plate surface and the first output-plate surface, and a second semiconductor switch contacting the positive-plate surface and the second output-plate surface. The compact stacked power module further includes a capacitor contacting the negative-plate surface and the positive-plate surface, wherein the capacitor is electrically in parallel with the first and second semiconductor switches.

Abstract: A compact stacked power module including a positive direct-current-bus-voltage plate having a positive-plate surface and a negative direct-current-bus-voltage plate having a negative-plate surface. The compact stacked power module also includes an alternating-current output plate having opposing first and second output-plate surfaces, a first semiconductor switch contacting the negative-plate surface and the first output-plate surface, and a second semiconductor switch contacting the positive-plate surface and the second output-plate surface. The compact stacked power module further includes a capacitor contacting the negative-plate surface and the positive-plate surface, wherein the capacitor is electrically in parallel with the first and second semiconductor switches.

Abstract: A method for detecting a grid event is provided. The method includes sampling grid voltage and grid current over a fixed period of time; determining grid impedance at one or more frequencies using the sampled grid voltage and the sampled grid current; comparing the grid impedance at the one or more frequencies to a known expected grid impedance at the one or more frequencies; and detecting a grid event based on the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling operation of one or more auxiliary circuits in a wind turbine system are provided. For instance, a grid event associated with the wind turbine system can be detected. In response to the grid event, a control signal can be provided to an auxiliary circuit breaker of the wind turbine system. The auxiliary circuit breaker can be associated with one or more auxiliary circuits that are not directly in a power production path of the wind turbine system. The auxiliary circuit breaker can disconnect the one or more auxiliary circuits from the grid based at least in part on the control signal.

Abstract: A method and system for a control circuit are provided. The circuit includes an integrating counter coupled to a process wherein the integrating counter is configured to integrate over time a process parameter signal received from the process and to generate a trigger signal when the integrated signal equals a predetermined count. The control circuit also includes a transition controller electrically coupled to a respective control element and configured to receive the trigger signal generated by the integrating counter.

Abstract: Provided is a cable twist allowance system for a wind turbine system. The system includes a sun gear disposed within a tower of wind turbine, a pivot disk connected with the sun gear, a plurality of lever members, each including a plurality of cables and spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other, the plurality of level members being pivotably connected with a surface of the pivot disk and rotatable about the sun gear; and a plurality of compression members, each compression member corresponding to each lever member and adjusting a position of a respective lever member based on a radial force applied to the plurality of cables of the respective lever member.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to apparatus and methods for producing a variable frequency output waveform from a power converter for use in a power generation system, such as a wind turbine power generation system. A voltage divider is employed to provide plural voltage levels to which a multi-level bridge circuit employing selectively activated switches in pairs of switches is coupled. The switches are operated in such a fashion as to produce a generally sinusoidal waveform that may be easily filtered by low cost filters due to the plural voltage levels to produce a generally smooth sine wave from the converter. Such converters may be used in various environments including in pairs in multi-phase power converters.

Abstract: High performance gate drives and methods for driving semiconductor switching elements, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), are provided. The gate drive can control the voltage applied to the gate of the IGBT to one or more intermediate voltages near the threshold voltage of the IGBT to control dv/dt of the collector-emitter voltage during and the di/dt of the collector current turn off. For instance, a voltage level between the turn on voltage and the turn off voltage can be applied for a first time period to control dv/dt of the collector-emitter voltage and di/dt of the collector current during turn off. Another voltage level between the turn on voltage and the turn off voltage can be applied for a second time period during reverse recovery of a freewheeling diode coupled in parallel with the IGBT.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for cooling or cleaning a slip ring assembly of a generator of a wind turbine. The slip ring assembly is at least partially enclosed in a slip ring compartment. In addition, the slip ring assembly includes an electrically conductive slip ring mounted to the rotatable shaft and a fixed conductive ring assembly having slip-ring contacting members mounted thereon. The conduit assembly is configured to direct fluid into the slip ring compartment so as to cool or clean the slip ring compartment. Further, the conduit assembly extends from a first end to a second end. More specifically, the first end is configured at or before an inlet of the generator assembly, whereas the second end is configured at the slip ring compartment.

Abstract: A wind turbine system is provided. In various embodiments, the system includes a nacelle supported by a tower. At least one rotor blade is rotatably connected with the nacelle to capture wind energy. The at least one rotor blade rotates relative to the nacelle for generating electricity. A generator is coupled to the nacelle for converting the wind energy into electrical energy. A transformer-converter assembly comprises a converter and a transformer such that the converter is integrally connected to the transformer. An electrical and control module is electronically coupled to the generator and the transformer-converter assembly.

Abstract: A system for operating a power generation system within a battery storage/discharge mode includes a power convertor having a DC link, a switching module coupled to the DC link, a storage device, and a filter coupled between the storage device and power converter. The filter may correspond to a normal mode filter configured to limit normal mode voltage from being applied to the storage device. A common mode filter may be associated with the storage device. The storage device may correspond to one or more batteries while the power generation system may correspond to a wind-driven generator.