The yaw and pitch systems are responsible for mechanical movement of the turbine’s nacelle, turning the nacelle into the wind, as well as the blade’s orientation to the wind.
PLC
The ABB AC500 PLC is the key component for wind turbine control of the yaw and pitch systems. The ABB PLC provides the fastest program execution available, and enables a high level of protection to safeguard the control program’s intellectual property.
Brake motors for yaw control
ABB brake motors are tailored to meet the needs of the yaw system and are used to drive gears that adjust the orientation of the turbine.
− Typically 6-pole motors
− 1.1 to 4 kW, larger sizes available
Yaw system drives
ABB drives are used either individually, or as part of a master/ follower solution to adjust the turbine’s yaw. The drives are connected to the turbine’s control PLC. Using drives to control the yaw motors reduces mechanical stress and excessive vibrations during movement.
Back-up breaker/Short-circuit limiter
ABB’s short-circuit limiter breakers, WT63 and S800S-SCL-SR, are used for coordinated protection in motor applications up to 690 V, enabling selectivity and minimized installation space when used as back-up for several motor starters.
Softstarters
ABB softstarters are used for reducing mechanical stress from yaw and pitch motor startup. They reduce initial motor starting current draw and enable smooth motor acceleration and deceleration.