CHAPTER V

Electricity basics

Electricity Fundamentals
An electrical machine is a device that can convert either mechanical energy to electrical energy
(generator) or electrical energy to mechanical energy (motor). Since any given electrical machine
can convert power in either direction, any machine can be used as either a generator or a motor.
The transformer is an electrical device that is closely related to electrical machines. It converts AC
electrical energy at one voltage level to AC electrical energy at another voltage level.
Magnetic fields are the fundamental mechanism by which energy is converted from one form to
another in motors, generators, and transformers.
Four basic principles describe how magnetic fields are used in these devices:
1. A current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field in the area around it.
2. A time-changing magnetic field induces a voltage in a coil of wire if it passes through that coil.
(This is the basis of transformer action.)
3. A moving wire in the presence of a magnetic field has a voltage induced in it. (This is the basis of
generator action.)
4. A current-carrying wire in the presence of a magnetic field has a force induced on it. (This is the
basis of motor action.)
Elecctricity Transmission network - terms
Alternating Current (AC) An electrical current that reverses direction at regular intervals or cycles. In the
United States, the standard is 120 reversals or 60 cycles per second. Electrical grids in most of the world
use AC power because the voltage can be controlled with relative ease, allowing electricity to be
transmitted long distances at high voltage and then reduced for use in homes.
Direct Current (DC) A type of electrical current that flows only in one direction through a circuit, usually
at relatively low voltage and high current. To be used for typical 120 or 220 volt household appliances,
DC must be converted to AC, its opposite. Most batteries, solar cells and turbines initially produce direct
current which is transformed to AC for transmission and use in homes and businesses.
Efficiency Describes the amount of active electrical power generated as a percentage of the wind power
received by the turbine. Grid-Connected System A residential electrical system such as solar panels or
wind turbines which act like a central generating plant, supplying power to the commercial grid (Figure
5.1).
Inverter
A device that converts direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) either for standalone
systems or to supply power to an electricity grid.
Load In reference to wind developments, load describes the energy demand placed on a power
generating facility or the energy consumed by a group of customers or set of equipment. Usually
expressed in amperes or watts.
Megawatt (MW) 1,000 kilowatts (kW) or 1 million watts (W); standard measure of electric power
generating capacity. Large utility scale wind turbines usually produce 900 kW to 2 MW per turbine.
Megawatt-Hour (MWh) The amount of energy used if work is done at an average rate of 1 million watts
for 1 hour. Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) Laws developed federally or by states mandating that
electricity providers obtain a minimum fraction of their energy from renewable resources. In 2008,
Michigan passed an RPS requiring that 10% of the state's energy come from renewable sources by 2015.
Storage Battery Also known as a rechargeable battery. Can transform energy from electric to chemical
form and vice versa. Can be connected to turbines to temporarily store electricity in chemical form
during peak production times and release electrical energy when demand is high.
Substation A facility that steps up or steps down the voltage in utility power lines. Voltage is stepped up
where power is sent through long-distance transmission lines. It is stepped down where the power is to
enter local distribution lines.
Transformer Multiple individual coils of wire wound on a laminate core. Transfers power from one
circuit to another using magnetic induction, usually to step voltage up or down. Works only with AC.
Electrical and electronic components

Motors and drives Nacelles on utility-scale turbines are

filled with motors, drives, and controls. The latter devices are part of the turbine controls that tell
motors what to do. In just a few tasks, electric motors pitch the blades on turbines to capture the
most power from the available wind. Motors on yaw drives keep the nacelle pointed in a proper
direction. Motor outputs on these units range from 2.2 to 22 kW. They attach to two or three
planetary speed reducers to produce output torques from 2,000 to 50,000 nm. Utility-scale turbines
use up to eight motors for yaw functions.

Inverters The output from a generator has three electrical

characteristics: voltage, current, and frequency. Because wind speed varies, a wind-driven generator
would produce these at variable rates as well. Hence, the inverter’s job is to steady two of the
characteristics, and let only one of them vary. These electrical devices turn the variable current or
voltage coming out of a generator into steady voltage and frequency that can charge a battery or
contribute to power to a grid. Transformers These allow raising or lowering voltage in ac
transmission lines.

Transformers for wind turbine generators are switched with

solid-state controls to limit inrush current. While potentially aiding initial energization, these electronic
controls also contribute damaging harmonic voltages which can lead to overheating.
Standard voltage alternates at 60 Hz. When the transformer frequency differs by even 0.2 Hz,
voltage peaks from different sources do not line up and do not produce the required amplification
that would come from in-synch frequencies. The transformer tries to pass this frequency through the
circuit, thereby causing extra loading.
To handle potentially hazardous heat, one transformer manufacturer winds coils on a cruciform core.
Its circular windings evenly spread radial and axial forces over their circumference and coolant flow
ducts eliminate hot spots that lead to premature breakdown and ultimately failure. Transformers for
wind turbines are usually designed so their voltage exactly matches the wind turbine’s output
voltage. Generator output current is monitored at millisecond intervals. Operational limits allow up to
5% over-current for 10s before controls take a generator off the system. Because transformers used
with wind turbine generators are intended to match generator output without overload sizing, the
generator must function without extra capacity.

Circuit breaker These devices allow working on high-voltage equipment by

electrically isolating it when necessary. Recent compact circuit breakers let panel builders place
voltage transformers in the top compartment of the switchgear, which reduces the switchgear
footprint from that needed by older equipment. In one version,pole units are encapsulated to protect
high-voltage components from the environment, and motorized levering allows remotely racking
(installing or removing) the breaker for enhanced safety. Recent designs also eliminate SF6, a
potentially hazardous gas used as an insulator instead of air inside some switchgear.
Remote racking allows insert and remove breakers while standing outside the arc-flash boundary
(high voltage can jump an air gap and produce a fatal shock) and increase the distance between the
operator and the front of the switchgear lineup during racking operations.
What’s more, breakers engineered for wind applications can be customized. Such accessories
facilitate and simplify integrating the breaker into switchgear. A few custom features include self-
aligning and coupling primary and secondary disconnecting devices, and rip-free interlocks prevent
moving a closed breaker into and out of the connect position. Also Coding pins ensure that only
breakers of the correct rating can be inserted into the enclosure and distinct latch positions tell the
technician whether the breaker is disconnected, in test, or working.