WEC features - configuration specific to site
Developing sites worldwide
Extreme climate conditions require flexibility and specialised technological solutions. By the use of modified components. ENERCON is ensuring development at hot and cold climate sites without WEC operation being limited by the prevailing climate conditions. ENERCON wind energy converters have other additional features in order to enable WEC operation even in the most challenging of weather conditions.
Developing sites worldwide
Extreme climate conditions require flexibility and specialised technological solutions. By the use of modified components. ENERCON is ensuring development at hot and cold climate sites without WEC operation being limited by the prevailing climate conditions. ENERCON wind energy converters have other additional features in order to enable WEC operation even in the most challenging of weather conditions.
ENERCON storm control
ENERCON wind energy converters run with a special storm control feature. This slows the wind turbine down so that it can continue to operate even at high wind speeds. Numerous shutdowns which lead to considerable losses in power output can thus be avoided. When storm control is activated, the rated speed is linearly reduced starting at a predetermined wind speed for each turbine type. Beginning at another turbine-specific wind speed, the limitation of the turbine`s rated speed also reduces active power. The turbine only shuts down at a wind speed of more than 34 m/s (10-minute average). In comparison: When storm control is deactivated, the wind turbine stops if the wind speed reaches 25 m/s in the three minute average or 30 m/s in the 15 second average.
De-Icing
ENERCON Ice Detection System
All ENERCON wind energy converters are equipped as standard with an ice detection system, which is based on a specially developed power curve analysis method. During operation the ice detection system compares current operating data such as wind, power and blade angle with the recorded long-term mean values. Ice build-up on the machine changes the aerodynamic properties. The WEC is brought to a halt and the de-icing procedure is initiated.
ENERCON ice detection technology has won over many customers due to its high level of reliability, something which has been confirmed by independent institutes such as Meteotest. At sites more susceptible to ice build-up, ENERCON offers Labkotec sensors on the nacelle in addition to the power curve method.
Rotor blade de-icing system
The optionally available ENERCON rotor blade de-icing system shortens thawing time. A fan heater installed in the blade root is activated and starts heating the air inside the rotor blade using air recirculation. The temperature of the blade surface warms up to above 0°C and the ice build-up melts off.
If the rotor blade de-icing system operates at WEC standstill, the WEC will start after thawing again either automatically or else needs to be activated manually following a visual inspection of the rotor blades. Optionally the rotor blade de-icing system can be operated at sites with low icing potential even when the WEC is in operation. Thin layers of ice are thawed off at an early stage thus maximising energy yield and reducing downtime.
