USA - Woodward announces first U.S.-produced wind power converters

Woodward Governor Company (www.woodward.com) announced today the shipment of its first seven CONCYCLE® wind power converters produced in the United States. The electric power converter units, shipped from Woodward’s production facility in Colorado, will be used with seven REpower model MM92 wind turbines being installed for the second phase of the Stoney Corners wind farm in Michigan. The wind turbines are rated 2 MW each.

U.S.-based production is one element of Woodward’s strategy to improve customer satisfaction. By producing converters in Colorado, we can better serve the North American wind power industry. OEM customers like REpower, as well as local wind farm owners, benefit from local manufacturing with lower shipping costs, shorter lead times, local currency transactions and faster local support. In addition to local production, Woodward also provides U.S. based sales and service support for the estimated 600 CONCYCLE units already installed in North America. For North American customers, the converters are ETL certified for use in the United States and Canada.

To meet stringent utility grid code requirements in North America and worldwide, Woodward CONCYCLE converters are available with patented active Fault Ride Through (activeFRT) technology that allows wind turbines to stay connected to the grid even during large variations in the voltage or frequency of the transmission lines. ActiveFRT technology allows for full voltage control capability during voltage sags, full power and torque control capability during fault ride through operation, prioritized active or reactive current during line faults, and supports weak grids by supplying up to 100 percent fast reactive current. The technology also reduces torque stress on turbine gearboxes and drive shafts.

Woodward has more than 14 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and supporting electric power converters for wind turbines in the 1 MW up to 6 MW power classes. More than 5500 CONCYCLE converters have been installed globally to date, which is equivalent to more than 10GW of wind power.

Woodward’s main converter design and manufacturing center is in Kempen, Germany, which is a convenient location for European customers. With the fast-growing markets in North America and Asia, Woodward is establishing local manufacturing, sales and support services in the United States and China.

About Woodward:
Woodward is an independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of energy control and optimization solutions used in global infrastructure equipment. We serve the aerospace, power generation and distribution, and transportation markets. Our systems and components optimize the performance of commercial aircraft; military aircraft, ground vehicles and other equipment; gas and steam turbines; wind turbines; reciprocating engines; and electrical power systems. The company's innovative fluid energy, combustion control, electrical energy, and motion control systems help customers offer cleaner, more reliable and cost effective equipment. Our customers include leading original equipment manufacturers and end users of their products. Woodward is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado USA. Visit our web site at www.woodward.com.