Power electronic equipment refers to equipment that converts, transforms or otherwise works with high power electronic systems. Two common items of equipment found in many wind turbine systems are rectifiers and inverters. Rectifiers convert AC electricity into DC power, while inverters convert DC to AC.

With many small (and some large) wind turbines, the generating equipment is not directly tied to the grid, but instead connected via a combination of rectifiers and inverters. This allows the turbine to operate independently from the grid, which in turn removes the need for gears and mechanical control(reducing noise), less mechanical components (reducing capital and maintenance costs) and reduced electrical disturbance caused by the turbine (reducing compliance costs and planning objections).

The inverter-rectifier combination also perform other important tasks, including making sure the power source is running at its optimum, synchronising the generator with the grid and protecting both the generating equipment and the mains grid. Other methods of obtaining power suited for export onto the grid are available, and these can be more efficient but are generally best suited to larger turbines.

As well as supplying power electronics for installation projects, SEI can also supply items directly or in the form of a pre-designed kit.  Additionally, SEI can arrange for maintenance or replacement of faulty components to get your system running efficiently again. Please contact us if you would like more information on supply or maintenance projects.

Our standard power electronic product range includes the following:

WindyBoy series – Up to 6 kW 230V inverters designed for small wind turbines (Product range brochure)

SMA are one of the largest manufacturer of grid-connected inverters in Europe, and they have a versatile product range to cater for all sizes of system from extremely small (sub-kilowatt) to large (megawatt) projects

Proven ECM rectifiers

Proven are one of the leading manufacturers of micro-wind turbines (up to 15kW) in the UK. As part of their comprehensive range of equipment to accompany their turbines, Proven have designed rectifiers specifically for their 2.5, 6 and 15kW-rated turbines.