Pioneering higher energy-yield technology

pioneering higher

ENERGY-YIELD TECHNOLOGY

Woodward Kempen is a global leader in the design and manufacture of converters for the wind turbine industry. Furthermore, Woodward is a company that continues to develop the world’s most advanced and efficient modular power converter systems. Philip Yorke takes a closer look at the company and how it is taking advantage of the continuing growth in the offshore renewable-energy market with its sustainable products and manufacturing processes.

Woodward was founded in 1870 when Amos Woodwood invented his first water-wheel governor. Following this breakthrough, in 1934 his son Elmer Woodward patented the world’s first successful aircraft propeller governor. For almost 150 years Woodward has innovated products for the control of water, wind and gas turbines and has grown to employ over 7800 specialists across the globe whilst establishing itself as a leader in the aerospace and industrial energy markets.

In order to maintain it enviable position as the global leader in its field, in 2015 Woodward built a new state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Niles and Loves Park, Illinois. In addition, the company opened a brand new campus early in 2016 in Fort Collins, Colorado to support the design and manufacture of industrial turbo-machinery systems and to re-locate its corporate headquarters to the new modern site.

Woodward Kempen is an integral division of Woodward Inc. and is the acknowledged global leader in the manufacture of wind turbine converters for onshore and offshore applications. Today Woodward’s global growth is driven by its commitment to meeting the growing demand for more fuel-efficient and low emission energy-management systems. With its multiple worldwide locations, the company is able to respond quickly to changing market forces by providing optimised solutions that are tailored to match the local demands of its diverse range of industrial energy clients. Tailor-made systems

Woodward’s unique experience and expertise in the development and manufacture of renewable energy wind converters is underscored by its long track record in the pioneering of new, energyefficient power generation technologies. The company’s ability to provide innovative, tailor-made solutions is unrivalled with more

than 15,000 turbine systems delivered to the offshore and onshore renewable energy industries. These include a broad portfolio of products that include low and medium voltage, doubly-fed (DFIG) and full size converting technologies.

Woodward’s latest medium voltage converter, Concycle®, provides optimised optimal high-performance outcomes based upon its unique turbine experience and expertise in offshore converter technology. The intelligent controls of its Concycle® wind converters is a flexible solution that complies with all international grid requirements. The company is also a technology leader in the field of solar energy solutions with its 1000V solar converters achieving efficiencies in excess of 98 per cent, employing advanced power-point tracking that further improves energy yield, while delivering one of the world’s smallest CO2 footprints on the market.

In addition to its wind turbine converters, the company also manufactures energy storage converters, solar inverters and shore-power and dynamic positioning inverters. As an independent supplier the company offers flexibility in its modular product portfolio and is innovative in its approach to product development and customer service. Furthermore, Woodward is a truly global organisation that is able to provide a local, dedicated service wherever a wind-turbine installation may be required anywhere in the world.

Continuous investment

Woodward supplies a broad range of industrial products for turbines and compressors and continues to invest consistently in bringing innovative solutions to meet today’s challenging market needs. The company strives to reduce the total installed and operating costs of its products, as well as reducing emissions, whist improving availability, efficiency, start-performance and increasing operating ranges.

Woodward has the longest legacy of any controls supplier in the industrial rotating equipment market, with a focus on providing value to its OEM manufacturers, packagers and end-user customers. This is achieved by combining its knowledge of controls, auxiliaries and combustion systems to drive product optimisation through design simplification and improved integration.

In addition, the company offers fast response, knowledgeable local support and optimised, cost-effective solutions to its customers via its direct sales force. Global distribution is also available through its selected distributors, authorised service facilitators and recognised turbine retro-fitters.

Woodward’s dedicated operations teams address its client’s logistics and operational issues by first gaining a thorough understanding of their complete supply and value-chain. The company has also created and implemented many focused technology initiatives including on-site inventories, on-site engineering and field service support engineers.

Setting sustainability standards

Woodward’s dedication to sustainability and corporate social responsibility is fundamental to its well-being and identity. From the outset the company has recognised the importance of recycling and waste management and has since grown into a corporation that sets the global standard for providing sustainable solutions to improve energy-efficiency and to lower emissions. The company also applies the three inter-dependent pillars of sustainability: environmental stewardship, social responsibility and structure and processes, as the guiding principles for its responsible progress.

Woodward’s commitment to sustainability is encapsulated in its message at the core of its corporate brand statement: ‘Always innovating for a better future’. Today Woodward’s leadership in energy control and optimised solutions is built upon a foundation of strategic vision, quality performance, and core values. The company focuses on controlling energy by integrating components into systems that yield improved performance and reliability. They also reduce emissions and increase fuel flexibility and efficiency in order to help ensure a better environment for the future of all. n

For further details of Woodward Kempen’s innovative and pioneering products and services visit: www.woodward.com/kempen