SSB Wind Systems is presenting its new UniFlex Pitch at the EWEA 2012 in Copenhagen. The UniFlex Pitch is the world’s first modular electric pitch system capable of being integrated into a wide variety of wind turbines (WTGs).
Until now pitch systems have had to be individually adjusted to meet the specific demands of different turbine types due to variations in WTG design. However, SSB Wind System has developed a system whose modular design allows it to be universally implemented in different types of wind turbines, ranging from 1.5 to 3 MW.
There are several key advantages of this newly developed modular system. The use of standardized components in the UniFlex pitch system shortens development times, thereby significantly reducing costs incurred by customer specific system configurations. Prototypes are also available more quickly and SSB Wind System even predicts that delivery times for series productions will be halved. Electric pitch systems will also be available to the global market much quicker than in the past – with tested and certified higher quality.
Standardization has long been an important aspect of quality philosophies when it comes to fulfilling high demands for system reliability. The UniFlex Pitch is no exception. Against this background, shorter development times also result in more efficient product testing, since standardization leads to stable and repeatable processes that, for example, enable more efficient measuring and test procedures. Complex, time consuming individual tests become a thing of the past, since all standard components within the new electric pitch system guarantee a constant high-level series production quality.
The latest evidence of this: The UniFlex Pitch recently received certification according to UL 508C and CSAC22.2 No. 14-10 (UL Standard for Power Conversion Equipment in the USA and Canada) as a “Recognized Component,” since the pitch system was developed for a particular application within the WTG hub. In addition, shock and vibration tests, EMC tests and IP protection tests were carried out by an independent testing laboratory in order to document the reliability of the UniFlex Pitch throughout its service life.
“It was only through the optimization of technical processes that the true advantages of a universal and highly flexible system like the UniFlex Pitch could be put into practice. This provides immense benefits to our customers – including the quick availability of components for both the production and installation of previously prepared sub-assemblies. Our customers also profit from shorter reaction times and therefore the quicker availability of electric pitch systems,” explains Dipl.-Ing. Ronald Horstjan, Head of Application Engineering at SSB Wind Systems.
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Offshore WIND staff, April 04, 2012; Image: ssb