GE Unit In Offshore Grid Simulation Test Venture

GE’s Power Conversion will build and commission a nacelle test center at Denmark's Lindoe Offshore Renewables Center.

GE expects initial testing for the project, with the capability of handling units with a power rating of up to 10 MW, to begin in 2014.

The nacelle tester will incorporate GE Power's medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, inverter system and permanent-magnet, direct-drive motor technology.

GE says it will also put the system through extensive fault ride-through tests - simulations that help the turbine remain grid connected during malfunctions. Historically, electrical malfunctions and turbine protection systems have led to unforeseen excessive loadings of mechanical components and thereby reduced expected lifetime, GE says.

GE adds it will attempt to verify the stress levels under numerous different load cases, thereby helping to improve long-term project reliability.