A-10 Pressure Transmitter is Pivotal to Wind Turbine Control

Greenhouse gas emissions add impetus to the search for cheaper and cleaner sources of energy, wind power has emerged as a leading renewable energy source. The conversion of wind power into electrical energy is a challenging task — even for experts. Energy is created when wind is used to generate mechanical power, which is then turned into electricity. A wind turbine is a rotating machine that converts the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. The electricity generated is then used to provide power to electrical grids, and to provide power to homes and businesses. Wind turbines can be used to generate renewable energy both onshore and offshore.
Wind turbines work in the opposite fashion of fans; instead of using electricity to produce wind, turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spins the shaft connected to a generator and produces electricity. The A-10 pressure transmitter is used to control the pitch of the blades and the rotation of the head, and to apply brake pressure to the head and blades to keep them from moving too quickly when necessary.
Since wind speeds are never constant, an adjustable control system enables the turbine to be tuned for high and low wind velocities. Modern wind power generation plants use a “pitch system” that adjusts the blades to changes in the forces acting upon them. The pitch system is controlled by hydraulics, and the hydraulic circuit uses pressure feedback to assist in optimization. The A-10 pressure transmitter provides reliable and accurate pressure feedback.

 A wind power plant can operate even where there is a relatively weak air movement, and can always run at a high degree of efficiency. Wind turbines are an important element in the development of renewable energy resources and cutting our dependency on fossil fuels.

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