OK guys – I admit it – Hamburg WindEnergy was a success. Even though I am a strong fan of Husum, Hamburg has lifted wind power to a completely new level. In simple words: the event was very professional, but still had a good spirit.
During the week, we organized a drive train technology debate on PMG vs DFIG together with Recharge. Two of our round table discussions were lined up with top wind power business and thought leaders.
The majority of CTOs said that it is important to select a full-power converter to fulfill the grid codes. It is possible to build small parks with a DFIG converter, but additional static VAR compensation is needed on a park level. This static VAR feature is already built into the FPC.
Quite unanimously agreed upon were the PMG benefits for maximizing annual energy production and lowering maintenance costs. These both decrease the cost of energy. Still, the panel agreed that there are a lot of deeply rooted engineering beliefs in what is ultimately the correct concept: direct-drive, medium-speed or high-speed PMGs.
Two major concerns about permanent magnets were brought up that relate to the fact that they are made from rare earth materials: mining sustainability and magnet pricing.
Two years ago, the Chinese government started to take better control of rare earth mining when there was a short-term peak in prices. Luckily, prices have since come back down. Illegal mining was stopped and sustainability has taken on a much greater importance through the use of modern technology. We will continue to follow-up on this topic and report on it again later.
When it comes to magnet availability – there are actually more magnets available for electrical machines in the world than copper.
Jussi Vanhanen, Director, Sales and Marketing