The turbine control and protection system ensures that the turbine operation is within defined values. The PLC is used for overall turbine control logic.
PLC
The ABB AC500 PLC is the key component for wind turbine control. The PLC provides the fastest program execution available, and enables a high level of protection to safeguard the control program’s intellectual property. The PLC is used to set the reference speeds, turbine orientation to the wind, and for turbine startup and shutdown operations.
− Industry leading program execution times
− Programming in accordance with international standards (IEC 61131)
− Multiple communication (fieldbus) options
− Very flexible I/O’s – configurable as either inputs or outputs
− Modular design, saves control cabinet space
PLC and system interface products
ABB offer the largest selection of electronic products and relays in one product family, including timers, measuring and monitoring relays, signal converters, relays, optocouplers, power supplies and safety solutions. The ABB low temperature signal converter is the only one with a low temperature rating of -40 °C.
Motor control and protection
ABB produces safe and reliable products and solutions for all motor applications. These solutions are available for different motor types, and enable different starting methods as well as coordinated solutions for protection and control of motors.Products include AC and DC drives, softstarters, contactors, manual motor starters, back-up breakers/short-circuit limiters, temperature monitoring relays, and overload relays. In addition, motor starters can be integrated on the SMISSLINE plug-in system to reduce space, wiring complexity and installation time.
Limit switches
ABB limit switches are used as part of the turbine control system to monitor and protect against excessive vibrations. Used for electrical signaling of a mechanical position, the limit switches are activated when vibration in the turbine exceeds the switch’s limits, signaling the PLC to activate protective turbine controls.
Push buttons, switches and pilot lights
ABB’s offering of push buttons, switches and pilot lights are used throughout the turbine for control and visual indications.
DIN-rail products
DIN-rail mounted electrical parts are used in many of the electrical cabinets in the turbine. The ABB range of DINrail products includes high performance miniature circuit breakers, miniature circuit breakers, residual current devices, surge protective devices, contactors, pilot devices, timers, and electricity meters. These products are available in a wide range of power ratings and voltages.
Terminal blocks
ABB terminal blocks are used in electrical panels and boards within the turbine. They provide the connection point for systems where point-to-point connection between systems is used.
Switch mode power supplies
Switch mode power supplies are used for systems requiring reliable DC power supplies. ABB power supplies use primary switch mode technology that reduces heat loss and increases
efficiency. A power reserve of up to 50% protects against loads that have high startup draws on power.