Balluff wind energy equipment power supply

The Balluff semi-potted power supply for use in wind energy equipment has an efficiency rating of 93%. It is designed for high shock and vibration loads and a long service life of nearly 20 years with a MTBF of 800,000 h.

It is claimed to be the first power supply that can be connected directly to the generator voltage without the need for an intermediate transformer. Its optical indicators display the status and condition of the unit and, since it tracks dynamic loads, it can be operated continuously even under high load conditions, making reserves of from 30 to 50% unnecessary.

Special sensors in combination with a microcontroller continuously monitor wear factors in the power supply such as temperature, overload, faults and other conditions. Intelligent evaluation of these parameters then gives the user an overview of the status of the unit for implementing maintenance measures, reducing the probability of failure of the overall system. Coloured LEDs in traffic light colours provide the user with continuous information about the current load level, the stress level as well as the life time, a forecast of remaining life expectancy. The indicators are bright enough to be reliably seen and interpreted from several metres.

It allows the usual three-phase transformer used in wind power equipment to be dispensed with and, due to its broad input range of 380-690 V, the switched-mode power supply can be connected directly to the generator voltage of the wind turbine. This reduces installation effort, reduces the number of failure-prone parts and increases efficiency of the system due to less heat loss.