Upgraded Stator Technology at BES Leading to Increased Annual Energy Production
A new development in stator design at Borrum Energy Solutions (BES) is helping to improve and increase the annual energy production of the Annora Wind Turbines.
To understand this development, it is important to first understand the role of a stator. It is the stationary component of the generator which is responsible for producing electricity. It consists of copper windings that are wrapped around the stator iron’s teeth. The stator iron concentrates the magnetic flux generated by the rotor magnets and directs it through the center of the windings. As the rotor rotates, the windings induce voltage, generating electrical current that is carried out through the phase leads. These components work together in a three-phase stator to produce electricity.
At BES, designing a wind turbine involves developing the stator and rotor (which together form the generator) alongside the turbine blades. The aeronautical characteristics of the blades and the electrical characteristics of the alternator must work together to ensure the turbine operates within its specified performance parameters. These include rated voltage, rated current, rated/maximum power, rated revolutions per minute (RPM), cut-in wind speed, and maximum operating wind speed. To achieve this, simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the generator and blades independently, as well as their combined performance as an integrated system.
BES assembles the entire turbine system in-house. So, before the generator is integrated into the turbine, it undergoes testing on a dynamometer (test bench) to validate its electrical and thermal performance. This process helps ensure that the generator meets the required specifications and performs as intended.
The latest stator development builds on this process by introducing an updated stator iron design and copper winding configuration, with a focus on improving efficiency and increasing power generation. Like all generators, those used in Annora Wind Turbines experience energy losses, primarily in the form of heat. By reducing these losses, the new stator allows a greater proportion of the energy captured by the blades to be converted into usable electrical power.
In other words, improving efficiency means capturing more of the energy already available by reducing the amount lost as heat. The result is increased usable power output and greater annual energy production, allowing more electricity to be exported for storage or use.
Contact us at inquiries@borrumenergysolutions.ca for a free Annual Energy Generation report for your location.