Wind parks technology to offer long-term benefits

Students from Electrical Power Engineering at the UAE’s Masdar Institute of Science and Technology have devised new technology to Keep Large Scale Wind Parks Connected during Severe Fault Conditions The faculty and students from the Electrical Power Engineering (EPE) program have filed a patent application with the US Patent and Trademarks Office, according to the research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies. The technology that could be applied in wind energy will support the grid with shunt and series compensation to mitigate voltage dips, which are caused by grid faults or severe disturbances. The technology presents a new configuration and transient management scheme that achieves superior fault ride through performance in response to all types of grid fault, extreme fault duration and multiple faults, according to a statement received here. The wind turbine configuration in the system is capable of alleviating unwanted electrical phenomenon and providing support to the electricity grid. Such innovative technologies and patents in renewable energy sources are expected to offer both short-term and long-term benefits to the UAE, supporting the economy by outsourcing the technologies and establishing local manufacture for promoting renewable energy. The patent assumes significance following the recent report on the supply of power for the first time by London Array offshore wind project to the UK grid. The project — Masdar’s collaboration venture with Dong Energy and E.ON — will be one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms when completed. Development of Phase-1 of London Array remains on track with 151 of the 175 wind turbines installed along with the successful installation of the offshore and onshore substations and cables. Expected to be completed in March 2013, the 630MW first phase will generate enough power to supply 470,000 homes. The application for ‘Fault Handling System For Doubly Fed Induction Generator’ was filed by the team of faculty members Dr. Mohamed El-Moursi, assistant professor, Dr. Weidong Xiao, acting head of EPE program, and Po-Hsu Huang, EPE Master’s student. In addition to the patent application, the IEEE, world’s largest professional association for the advancement of technology, accepted the paper ‘Novel Fault Ride Through Configuration and Transient Management Scheme for Doubly Fed Induction Generator’ in its publication IEEE’s Transactions on Energy Conversion. The Masdar Institute team has excelled in its collaboration with MIT counterpart Prof. Dr. James Kirtley for this research work. Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, president, Masdar Institute, said: “Our academic programs are designed to further stimulate the creative-minded students and seek novel solutions in sustainable technologies. The filing of a US patent application by the EPE program faculty members and student reflects the academic excellence and quality guidance that are offered at the research-based institution as mandated by the country’s leadership. Our efforts in human capital development will continue as we expand the scope of new technology patents while ensuring that Abu Dhabi provides the best environment for the creation of intellectual property rights. We congratulate the faculty and students for their commitment that continues to bring accolades and worldwide recognition in research and education to Masdar Institute and Abu Dhabi.” Dr. Weidong Xiao said: “IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion is the top journal in the field of wind power generation where reviewers are among top experts in the field of electric power engineering. Even in the top engineering universities around the world, the achievement is considered outstanding for an MSc student to start the research, perform simulation, write up the paper, and get it published on the top journal within one year. Po-Hsu Huang’s strong academic background and hard-work have contributed to the success. It also reflects the importance of faculty collaboration between the advisers Dr. Elmoursi and Dr. Xiao, who lead the research subjects in wind power systems and control engineering, respectively.” The Masdar Institute research team has also submitted a number of papers to IEEE Transactions, which is under revision and review process. They are looking forward to excelling high quality publications and strong collaboration to promote wind and solar energy research in the UAE. Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change. Established with an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research. From : Arabnews