CIE Components in Electronics
Rutronik is now stocking a new 160V ultracapacitor module from Maxwell Technologies that is able to provide energy storage and power delivery for wind turbine pitch control, UPS and renewable energy systems. Primarily targeted at pitch control systems for 1.5 to 3MW wind turbines, the turnkey solution simplifies the installation process and reduces costs.
Unlike batteries, ultracapacitors store energy in an electric field. Therefore, they have a longer operating lifetime, low maintenance requirements and offer better cold weather performance. Because of this electrostatic energy storage mechanism ultracapacitors are able to charge and discharge very fast, perform normally over a broad temperature range (-40 to +65°C), operate reliably through 500,000 and more charge/discharge cycles and resist shock, vibration and overcharging.
Maxwell’s range of ultracapacitors provide burst power for electrical blade pitch control systems that enhance the consistency of wind turbines’ electrical energy output and ensure rotor speed remains within a safe operating range. They also supply an independent source of backup power for orderly shutdown in the event of a main system power failure and are used to smooth the flow of wind farms’ output to the electric utility grid.
