General Wind Tech Terminology

Question 1

What does the term “Green Field Construction” mean?

Answer 1

Construction of the turbine site started on natural soil like a farm, ranch land, or mountains. The ground is undeveloped prior to wind farm construction.

Question 2

What is “Repowering”?

Answer 2

Repowering refers to either the modernizing major parts of the wind turbine or removing old and installing new turbines.

Question 3

What is the “offtaker”?

Answer 3

The party buying the power.

In the case of large wind-power projects, future cash flows are secured in an “offtake agreement”—an agreement between the project company and the party buying the energy and related products that the project will produce and deliver over time.

Question 4

What is the blade “stop position”?
What is another term for this?

Answer 4

1) Rotor blades are turned to the stop position of 89°
2) Feathering position

Question 5

On a bolt torque specification chart, what does the following mean:
1.x - 70.5 & …

Answer 5

1.__ megawatt turbine - 70.5 meter blade diameter

Question 6

What is a Schematic?

Answer 6

A graphical representation of the connections between electrical components, modules and equipment in a system (WTGS).

Question 7

What is the readout difference between an electrical analog signal and a digital signal?

Answer 7

Analog Signal - a signal with a continuously varying voltage or current. Capable of an infinite number of values (sine wave).
Digital Signal – a signal with only 2 possible conditions (i.e. 0vdc or 24vdc).

Question 8

What is a circuit breaker and how is it used in wind turbines?

Answer 8

Circuit Breaker – a switch that automatically interrupts power to a device on an over-current condition.

Question 9

What is an “E Stop” and how/when is it used in a wind turbine?

Answer 9

Emergency Stop (E Stop) – A device used to place all systems in a safe condition.

Question 10

What is a “PLC” and how is it used in a wind turbine?

Answer 10

Program Logic Controller (PLC) – A control system that is programmable (Bachmann, MarkVIe).

Question 11

What is the CCU?

Answer 11

Converter Control Unit
Adds or subtracts frequency (Hz) to match grid.

Question 12

Define the term “lift” as it relates to wind turbines.

Answer 12

The airfoil structural shape of a blade cross section that is designed to produce a useful reaction (rotor spin) to air movement.

Question 13

What is an OEM?

Answer 13

Original Equipment Manufacturer
The company that runs the factory where turbines are designed and built.

Question 14

What is “wind turbine rated speed”?

Answer 14

WIND TURBINE RATED SPEED
Rotational speed of the wind turbine on which is has been designed for.

Question 15

Define, “the grid”.

Answer 15

Grid:
The sum of all electrical components
or
“The power transmission lines connecting the WTGS to the utility.”

Question 16

What is an “interlock circuit”?

Answer 16

Interlock Circuit :
An interlock circuit closes one and opens another

An electrical circuit that prevents one contactor from closing when a second contactor is closed.

Energizing a device circuit leads to opening of another
switch that prevents a conflicting device’s operation. Prevents phase to phase
short

Question 17

What is “in rush” as it relates to motors?

Answer 17

The extra initial energy it takes to get the motor to full RPM.