08:30 Registration & coffee

09:00 - 12:00 Workshop A: Functional safety for pitch systems with regard to reliability & availability

Directive GL2010 presents a challenge, particularly for state-of-the-art electromechanical AC pitch systems. Unlike DC pitch systems, they do not have a redundant activation channel for emergency movement into the feather position. The directive only provides indications, leaving engineers to interpret what safety functions will be needed and how to ensure their performance level complies with EN ISO 13849. During our workshop, we will discuss the safety requirements of GL2010, including their implications for pitch systems.

Matthias Pauli
Core Components Manager, CPR Wind – Pitch Control Systems
Moog, Germany

Tony Mercer
Head of Control
GL Garrad Hassan

Dr. Thorsten Gantevoort
Business Unit Automation, Functional Safety
TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service GmbH

09:00 - 12:00 Workshop B: Current and future generator-converter systems

The drivetrain of many wind turbines installed has been based on the concept of collecting standard components such as a gearbox and a double fed induction generator (DFIG) connected directly to the grid and with a power converter controlling the rotor.

This concept is however being challenged by the need for higher reliability, strict grid requirements and increasing power ranges especially for the future offshore turbines. Thus there is a trend towards introducing direct drive generators with a full power converter both tailored to a specific turbine. This workshop will discuss the choice of active materials for the present and future direct drive generators, the implications on performance and possible supply chain issues.

Anoop Jassal
PhD Researcher, Electrical Power Processing (EPP), EWI Faculty
TU Delft

Michael Kirschneck
PhD Researcher, Precision and Microsystems Engineering, 3mE Faculty
TU Delf

10:30 Refreshment break and networking

12:00 Networking luncheon

13:00 - 16:00 Workshop C: High availability control systems for wind turbines

The reliability of electronic control systems are of high importance as failures may cause significant economic loss and unplanned maintenance of the systems is necessary. In respect to the long expected lifecycle of wind turbines, a high availability control system architecture helps to avoid unplanned repairs. It can help to optimize the cost of operation and is in fact one important aspect when it comes to competitive advantages in energy production.

Electronic platforms which offer scalable fault tolerance, safety and high availability can assure that control systems are reliable and designed for more efficient operation.

Martin Shan
Division Control Engineering and Energy Storages
Fraunhofer Institut für Windenergie und Energiesystemtechnik IWES, Germany

13:00 - 16:00 Workshop D: Ensuring grid compliance

Join this interactive session to learn about and discuss the following topics:

• Choosing turbines that are grid friendly & generate quality, High-Value Power
• Future grid requirements
• Are future grid requirements going to get harsher?
• Will old and recently bought turbines be able to connect to the grid without retrofits?
• What is the greater value of power from grid-friendly turbines?
• How are turbine designers meeting requirements of continually tougher grid codes?
• Design factors to improve grid friendliness
• Is it worth the extra cost and complexity of design to gain higher yields?

Stephan Wachtel
Principal Engineer
GE Energy Consulting, UK

14:30 Refreshment break and networking

16:00 End of Workshop Day