The Switch, a leading supplier of permanent magnet generators and full-power converter packages, introduced its new full-power converter series today at China Wind Power 2011. The converter is smaller in size, more rugged and fulfills the most stringent international grid codes. It is also ideal for offshore wind power installations.

With this new series, The Switch strengthens its position in the Chinese market, where quality is now valued over quantity, and fault ride-through capability has become the focus.

The Switch, a provider of megawatt-class permanent magnet generator and full-power converter packages for wind power and other new energy applications, announced today that it has signed a new contract to continue delivering its FPCs to Goldwind.

Goldwind, one of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers, is currently increasing its presence in the US market. The Switch, based in Finland, has been a preferred supplier to Goldwind for the past five years.

The Switch has launched its next-generation full-power converter series to better serve the wind power industry with unsurpassed reliability and endurance.

Among the numerous advantages of the new converter series, reliability has been taken to a completely new level. The goal for each new converter is to continuously produce high-quality energy for the grid, without having the turbine tripping or standing still due to technical interruptions.

In a move to gain independence in manufacturing wind turbines, Germany-based PROKON selected The Switch as its partner for its key permanent magnet generators and full-power converters. This marks a significant start to cooperation for both companies.

For The Switch, this is the second contract with a German customer for a direct drive PMG in the power range of 3 MW. For PROKON, this opens up new market opportunities and strengthens the company’s single-source wind power park portfolio.

New style of drive train leverages an optimized permanent magnet generator and full-power converter package to capitalize on variable wind speeds for maximum energy capture and delivery to the grid.

With its innovative drive train technology, The Switch plans to take successes gained in European and Asian wind installations to bolster its presence in North America, one of the highest growth areas for new wind turbine installations.

Effective April 1, 2009, The Switch entered an agreement with Magnetech Industrial Services, Inc. (MIS) for the servicing of wind turbines in North America. Magnetech is a leader in the repair, remanufacture and maintenance of commercial and industrial electro-mechanical equipment.

Wind turbines are among some of the many types of heavy equipment in which Magnetech is specialized, providing comprehensive up-tower and in-shop services for wind turbine equipment.