ABB receives DNV GL component certificate for wind turbine converters

ABB, a leading power and automation technology group, has received DNV GL component certification for its ACS880-87LC wind turbine converter. DNV GL’s certification process according to the GL-IV-1:2010 Guideline for the Certification of Wind Turbines involved detailed assessments of ABB’s design, manufacturing, quality management, and testing procedures and facilities.

The ACS880-87LC is a full power, liquid cooled wind turbine converter. It is suitable for on and offshore turbines and its compact size facilitates nacelle and tower installation. Rated from 1.5 to 8 MW, the modular converter is configured back-to-back and can be used with both induction and permanent magnet generators. Direct torque control ensures fast and accurate generator control and grid code compliance. This wind turbine has been installed across Africa and has the potential to be utilised across the continent. 

The certificate was presented on September 27 at the WindEnergy event in Hamburg, Germany. It was handed over by Matthias-Klaus Schwarz, Head of Section Electrical Systems at DNV GL and received by ABB’s Petri Maksimainen, product manager for full power converters.

According to Petri Maksimainen, “Certification gives customers the added confidence that our converter is a high quality, reliable product. It also confirms that the converter meets all the relevant technical standards and requirements, which will make it easier for OEMs to secure certification for their turbines.”

Dr. Matthias-Klaus Schwarz added: “We are pleased to continue our longstanding work with ABB and support their effort in demonstrating the high level of quality of their components to the wind energy industry. As it is issued by an independent certification body, the component certificate strengthens trust in the reliability of ABB’s converter, which has been designed to the highest quality and security standards. We look forward to working with ABB again in the future.”