In the next 10 years, the proportion of the power supply originating in wind energy is expected to increase rapidly, which will place unique demands on system engineering. The system, the wind park and the grid into which the systems feed, are seen as complex systems today, and this is exactly the point at which the competencies of the Harting Technology Group play a role. Only powerful and reliable connection technology can ensure long term operation of the overall system, which is why the company from Espelkamp focuses its development and product thinking on the reliable transmission of signals, data and power.
Harting products and concepts are used at different levels in wind technology: in control and signalling technology, for data transmission and communication as well as in the power transmission. In close cooperation with customers, and their individual applications and specifications, Harting has developed a number of products and concepts that improve system performance.
The operating conditions for wind turbines require a resilient enclosure for the connection. Connections must furthermore be suitable for quick and uncomplicated replacement during servicing. Quick-lock rapid termination technology offers one solution.
Climate extremes, strong temperature fluctuations, wet conditions, heat, dust, vibrations and impact loads are the standard in wind energy. Harting provides numerous housing solutions that have been developed for the requirements of the wind power industry, including the new Han-Eco product series, manufactured from high-performance plastic.
Resilient Ethernet switches
Information such as wind speed and generated power are recorded, as are data on component states and the system’s functional capability. In addition, condition monitoring systems facilitate the planning of maintenance, repair work and spare part deliveries.
Network components must therefore be resilient and dependable. Harting Ethernet switches are tailored to this requirement, thanks to their high level of capability and overall reliability.
Today, wind park topologies are designed as powerful communication and data networks, generally as a ring so that they can easily be expanded. Due to the dimensions and distances, a part of the Ethernet port is designed for fibre optic cables that can bridge distances of more than 100 metres. Harting Ethernet switches allow efficient management of such ring topologies.
Conductors made of light for high towers
In the course of the development of wind power technology, hub heights of 140 m and more have been attained, which means that copper cables are ‘lossy’ transmission lines between the gondola and the tower base.
Instead, fibre optic cables are used, but copper cables must still be used for coupling the gondola to the switch cabinets at the tower base. Harting has developed a wide range of glass fibre cable solutions for wind energy, making it possible to integrate a number of fibres in one connector and to combine them with other signal or power cables.
The coupling of glass fibres and copper lines is handled by fibre optic transceivers whose interfaces are usually permanently welded together. The variances on the part of the fibre optic transceivers and the influence of the operating environment generally lead to the use of complex special connectors. Harting employs a different solution: by using the Harting PushPull boxes, it is possible to use standard industrial and office connectors such as RJ45 that, when not enclosed, are not suitable for use in harsh environments.
Safety awareness also for the system periphery
Harting has also spurred progress in enhancing technologies at the system periphery. For example, concepts for the use of LEDs for the tower lighting were developed that feature long service lives and a high level of reliability, which correspond to the increased safety requirements in the wind industry. The slip-ring rotor coupling has also been aligned to the specific conditions found in the wind industry. It is robust, and can be replaced without interfering in the pitch system or removing lines. Harting connector technology makes it possible to guarantee the mating reliability and contact stability in a plug-and-play design.
For more information contact Errol Mann, Harting South Africa, +27 (0)11 575 0017, errol.mann@harting.com, www.harting.co.za
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