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The History and Technological Advances of SANYO DENKI (30)

Development of the SANUPS W75A Rectifier Unit for Wind Power and Hydro Power Generation Systems

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  • The History and Technological Advances of SANYO DENKI (30) - Development of the SANUPS W75A Rectifier Unit for Wind Power and Hydro Power Generation Systems

History

In recent years, renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic, wind, hydro, and biomass have been attracting worldwide attention as potential candidates to help achieve decarbonization.
We have newly developed the SANUPS W75A rectifier unit that can be used in wind power and hydro power generation systems with output capacities of 10 kW or less. This article introduces the features of this new product.

Development Background

Figure 1 illustrates a simplified power generation system. Wind and hydro power generation systems require a rectifier to convert the AC power generated by the generation system into DC power for use with its power conditioners (i.e., renewable energy inverters).
However, there had been no standard rectifiers on the market for generation systems with an output capacity of 10 kW or less. Therefore, we have developed SANUPS W75A as a rectifier that can be used in such power generation systems.

Power generation system overview

Fig. 1 Power generation system overview

Outline of SANUPS W75A

The SANUPS W75A rectifier has a rated output capacity of 11 kW.
The main circuit uses a full-wave rectification method. It converts the AC power generated by the system’s generators into DC power for use with the power conditioners. Its conversion efficiency is 99%,(1) the highest level in the industry.

(1) Efficiency measurement is according to JIS C 8961. Our SANUPS W73A power conditioner was used as the load.

DC Voltage Rise Control Function (Brake Function)

Circuit block diagram of the SANUPS W75A
Fig. 2 Circuit block diagram of the SANUPS W75A

SANUPS W75A is equipped with a DC voltage rise control function (brake function) to prevent damage to the power conditioner in the event that the generator generates power in excess of the power conditioner's input voltage range. This function can be enabled by connecting an external shunt resistor. Figure 2 shows the circuit block diagram of the SANUPS W75A.
This function constantly monitors the DC output voltage. When the output voltage exceeds the specified value, the control function is activated to send current to the controlling resistor. This prevents the input voltage of the power conditioner from rising too high. In addition, the product has a potential difference between the control activation and release voltages to ensure that the control function is not activated too often.

Circuit block diagram of the SANUPS W75A
Fig. 2 Circuit block diagram of the SANUPS W75A

Generator Speed Contact Output

In wind power and hydro power generation systems, it is necessary at times to collect generator speed data.
The SANUPS W75A comes with a contact output terminal that outputs the generator’s output voltage frequency. Generator speed can be measured using the output voltage frequency. Moreover, generator speed can be monitored by connecting a signal transducer to the contact output terminal.
In addition, by using the SANUPS W73A series and the SANUPS PV Monitor remote monitoring device in combination, remote monitoring and data collection of generator speed can be done via a network, helping build smart grid systems.

Use in Other Power Generation Systems

The SANUPS W75A has a wide range of voltages. Specifically, it covers an AC input voltage range of 106 to 420 VAC and DC output voltage range of 0 to 600 VDC. Use of this rectifier is not limited to wind and hydro power generation systems. It can also be used in a variety of renewable energy generation systems that use 3-phase generators, including biomass and geothermal power generation systems.

We believe that this product will contribute to the promotion of renewable energy generation systems such as those for wind and hydro power generation.
We will continue to develop products in related fields in a timely manner so that we can meet the needs of our customers. By doing this, we expect that our products will contribute to the spread of renewable energy and the realization of a low-carbon society.

Date of publication: February 15, 2021