Wind Farm Performance with Industrial Panel PCs

Te Apiti Wind Farm, located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand’s North Island, serves as a prime example of sustainable energy generation. This wind farm, situated on the Tararua Range near Ashhurst, features 55 turbines that produce a combined 90 megawatts of electricity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As global energy shifts toward renewable sources, wind energy plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security. For instance, Germany’s 2023 decision to shut down its last three nuclear plants highlights the growing reliance on clean energy. Wind power is emerging as a top contender, with clean, low-carbon emissions that support global sustainability efforts.                                                                                                                                       

The rise of industrial IoT (IIoT) technology has revolutionized wind farm operations, improving management and operational efficiency. By integrating HMIs and IoT edge devices, wind farms can now monitor and control turbines more effectively, enabling precise performance tracking and optimization.

Developing an HMI for Wind Power Main Control Systems

A leading energy company in the Asia-Pacific region, known for providing integrated wind power solutions, ranks first globally for newly installed offshore wind power capacity as of 2023.

The company’s portfolio spans from 1.5MW to 5MW main control systems, including AC and DC pitch control systems and SCADA systems. With over 150 wind farms worldwide and more than 15,000 units in operation, they continue to push the boundaries of smart energy technology.

To enhance their wind turbine control systems, the company required an HMI display for their main control systems. The solution involved installing an industrial panel PC at the front of the control cabinet, linked to the PLC via gigabit Ethernet.

The PLC controls and collects data from sensors, motors, and on-site equipment. The industrial panel PC enables operators to view operational data, such as parameter settings, real-time status, fault records, and historical data, using intuitive graphics and charts.

Sunboo’s Industrial Panel PC: The Optimal HMI Solution

Sunboo’s industrial panel PC, powered by the Intel® Celeron® J1900 processor, is the ideal HMI solution for wind turbine control systems. Installed at the base of the wind turbine tower, this rugged device communicates seamlessly with the PLC and pitch control systems over industrial Ethernet.

The DPC-9080 offers high durability, meeting the harsh demands of outdoor environments while providing superior visual displays for efficient turbine management.

Additionally, it supports real-time data upload to cloud management platforms, contributing to a centralized data repository for further optimization. With a wide range of industrial I/O connectivity options, including GbE LAN, USB, COM, HDMI, VGA ports, and Wi-Fi/4G/LTE communication modules.

The DPC-9080 ensures flexible integration with existing infrastructure. Thanks to its modular I/O board design, users can easily upgrade and update the system’s CPU platform, enhancing long-term scalability and performance.

About Sunboo

Sunboo is a global leader in rugged computing solutions, specializing in durable, high-performance devices for enterprise users and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With a focus on innovation and toughness, Sunboo designs products that can withstand the harshest environments while delivering exceptional reliability and performance. For more information, visit www.sunboorugged.com.