By Are Borgesen Founder & Chairman at Tidal Sails AS
Tidal Sails is offering for sale the generator, converters, control system and grid connection equipment of its prototype, which is not for sale.
The generator is connected to the grid over a regenerative drive. The grid voltage is 230 VAC, and the generator voltage is transformed down via a 400/230 VAC transformer.
In the grid connection point the grid owner, Haugaland Kraft, have installed a 2 way, 4 quadrant energy meter. Both production and consumption, active and reactive energy, can be measured.
The electrical system is protected by the internal protection functions of the drive and a generator protection unit (GPU).
Generator Bevi 3 phase asynchronous motor, type 2Sg 200L6A 1000 rpm 18,5 kW 400 V / 34,5 A
Regenerative drive ABB ACS800-11-0025-3+E202+P904 18,5 kW 400 V / 38 A
Transformer Lanne 15 kVA 400/230V
GPU Megacon KCG595
Principle of function The generator side of the drive is torque controlled. The braking torque is converted to electrical energy and fed back to the grid trough the drive.
The torque is adjusted according to the speed of the system. During the tests this was done manually. For a permanent installation, a speed / torque curve has to be established for the actual system. Then a PLC regulator can adjust the torque automatically.
Included for free is one used gearbox 20:1 and one brand new 2:1. This equipment is ideal for anyone seeking to grid connect their devices ranging from 10-20kW and with 50-100rpm alternatively 1000rpm without gearboxes.