Conventional combined heat and power (CHP) systems have typically used externally excited synchronous generators or squirrel cage induction generators to produce electrical power. However, this era of using induction generators in CHP systems is ending, as the systems cannot provide electricity during outages and the so-called “black start” feature is missing. Also, while synchronous generators…
Category: Blogs
Want the latest technology – now?
Upgrading to the latest technology is indeed possible. The way is to simply change your business model and go beyond vertical integration, embracing an asset-light, flexible business model based on financially sound principles to better respond to market demand. This allows you to reach a much higher strategic approach in doing business with customers over the long run because you can constantly anticipate and satisfy their demands.
Building the future on tradition
The ongoing economic crisis has been driving heavy industrial players to look for new technologies that lower the cost of operations. Over the years The Switch has made a strong name for itself in renewable energy generation thanks to its advanced technology. Now, the company aims to bring the same advantages of reliability and efficient energy use to industrial applications.
Collaboration in all
The world economy is showing signs of recovery after many years of being battered by the financial crisis. This is vital for the wind industry so that investments flow into the industry, and at the same time, transformation still continues. Announcements of investments in Dong Energy as well as Mitsubishi and Vestas joining forces are good indications that the strong players are ready to invest in the promising offshore wind.
Better than the neighbor’s kid
Continuous improvement gives a better result in the end. This applies also for our full-power converters (FPC). The first generation FPC is not bad, nor obsolete. But the new FPC+ is better, stronger and bigger in power than its companion.
Looking at The Switch full-power converters, we are living in extremely interesting times. Just wait and see what the autumn and early winter will bring!
7% more profit for merchant ships
Soaring fuel prices, global overcapacity and lower profits are forcing shipbuilder to rethink conventional power configurations. How about gaining up to 7% profit per year instead?
Next generation drive trains from The Switch are game changers when it comes to reaching the highest energy efficiency, lowering the costs of operation and helping merchant vessels comply with future environmental legislations. By combining our permanent magnet machine with our frequency converter, ships can stay afloat and profit in the sea of fierce competition.
China leads the world in PMG turbines
For a number of years, the technology selection for wind turbine drive trains in China had closely followed the same steps as in Europe. Just recently, Chinese companies have leapfrogged ahead to the latest and most advanced modern drive train technology.
Are you stuck with DFIG?
Let’s assume that if there would be one superior technology for a wind turbine drive train, everyone would be using it already. When it comes to technology selection, there are always lots of opinions: engineers’ conclusions, production’s preference, customer’s needs and top management’s decisions.
How to make money from “free” energy
Sunshine is free of charge! That makes it a great fuel for power generation. The value of this free energy and generated power depends on demand and available alternative sources. In other words, it’s a case of simple supply and demand.
The question is how to harvest this energy effectively and generate high quality power to the grid. Solar intensity, cloudiness and available land conditions vary in different locations and parts of the world. Besides that, it comes down to a proper system design and selection of optimal components.
Greater customer value in all we do
The wind power industry has been under pressure during this year as expected. Still, it now looks like the largest markets of China and the US are moving forward. This brings higher hopes for 2014, which should materialize into orders already this year.
At The Switch, we have enhanced our strategy. We are concentrating even more to bring value to our customers. Our employees have analyzed and discussed how they can promote greater customer value in their work.
Efficient grid interconnection and power conditioning for CHP systems
Combined heat and power (CHP) systems are very popular in high-rise buildings as well as industrial sites and other facilities where they produce heat and power at a reasonable cost. CHP systems can save as much as 40% energy compared with traditional ways of producing electricity and heat separately.
How can you save even more? And simultaneously increase the reliability and safety of onsite energy production and grid interconnection? There are a couple of rather easy ways to improve overall efficiency.
Life’s comforts and electronics
What do wind turbines and summer cottages have in common? They are quite similar. Perhaps not in numbers, but from a technology point of view. Some are equipped with features only considered necessary for survival; others have ultra-modern technical solutions that even enable remote access to monitoring equipment by mobile phone. Both in cottages and turbines, features requested in the 90s may not live up to our needs today.
