Technology / Engineering guide
Wind Turbine Controller & Converter Selection Guide
Selecting a controller or converter starts with the generator and the intended connection. Use this guide to define ratings, device responsibilities and the information needed when supplying equipment separately or integrating an existing installation.
Match ratings with responsibilities.
Generator data, connection requirements and control duties belong in the same equipment review.
01 / Generator information
Record the electrical characteristics at the generator.
Provide the generator identity and available electrical specification, including voltage, current, speed and frequency information relevant to its operation.
Provide the generator identity and available electrical specification, including voltage, current, speed and frequency information relevant to its operation. State whether voltage values are line-to-line or phase-to-neutral and identify the conditions at which ratings apply.
For an existing installation, include the nameplate and connection drawing. A grid-side output voltage should not be used as the generator-terminal rating. The generator technology page explains the confirmed current 50 kW arrangement.
02 / Device roles
Separate turbine control from power conversion.
List the functions assigned to each supplied device: turbine supervision, yaw commands, brake commands, power conversion and any specified load-management function.
List the functions assigned to each supplied device: turbine supervision, yaw commands, brake commands, power conversion and any specified load-management function. Identify the interfaces between these responsibilities.
If MPPT, unloading or communication functions are requested, establish the actual implementation and operating range in the proposal. The presence of a controller or converter does not by itself confirm every function. See the control-system overview.
03 / Output connection
Match the output to the intended grid or load.
For a grid connection, provide the project voltage, frequency and requirements obtained from the utility or responsible project team.
For a grid connection, provide the project voltage, frequency and requirements obtained from the utility or responsible project team. Ask which ratings and connection documents apply to the proposed converter.
For an independent supply or a third-party storage interface, provide the connected equipment and operating requirements. Clarify the devices responsible for supplying loads and handling a generation shortfall. Use the applicable off-grid or grid-tied planning page.
04 / Control interfaces
Describe signals, commands and fault responses.
Request the signal list and connection description used by the selected controller and converter.
Request the signal list and connection description used by the selected controller and converter. Identify command sources, feedback, permissions and the response to loss of a required signal or supply.
Specify the monitoring information needed by the operator and confirm the supported access and communication functions. Include third-party device details when proposing integration; a port type alone does not establish compatible data or commands.
05 / Ratings & environment
Review the complete operating envelope.
Request the operating limits for the connected input and output, along with the assumptions used for equipment selection.
Request the operating limits for the connected input and output, along with the assumptions used for equipment selection. Identify how the proposed package treats operating cases outside normal generation through its actual control and protection design.
Provide the expected ambient conditions, enclosure location, ventilation constraints and exposure. Ask for the environmental suitability and any rating changes applicable to the supplied equipment. A cabinet label alone should not be treated as approval for every site.
06 / Separate supply
Prepare a controller or converter enquiry.
MARSTON can discuss separate equipment supply.
MARSTON can discuss separate equipment supply. Send the turbine and generator identity, electrical data, intended connection, existing control arrangement and the functions you need. Mark missing data clearly.
Request an equipment list, interface description and responsibility matrix before procurement. The commissioning guide helps plan how the installed package will be checked against the agreed specification.
Related project guides: Wind–Solar Hybrid Systems: Project Planning Guide · Wind Turbine Commissioning & Handover Checklist · How to Read a Wind Turbine Power Curve.
Further project guides: Wind Turbine Cable Routes, Voltage Drop & Design Inputs · Wind Generator Rectifiers: AC-to-DC Interface Review · Wind Turbine Grid Power Quality: Measurement & Evidence · Wind Turbine Yaw & Control Auxiliary Power Planning.
Further project guides: Wind Turbine Controller Supply: Prepare a Separate Enquiry · Wind Power Converter Supply: Define the Purchase Boundary.
General background: DOE distributed-wind systems integration context. These references explain industry concepts; they are separate from the applicable MARSTON product and project documents.
Prepare the information for this review.
Use the checklist to organise the project information. Mark unavailable items and retain document references.
| Review item | Information to provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Generator | Nameplate, electrical ratings and connection drawing | Identify input requirements. |
| Functions | Control, conversion and requested operating functions | Allocate responsibilities. |
| Output | Grid or load ratings and connection requirements | Define the intended destination. |
| Interfaces | Signal list, commands and existing equipment | Review integration. |
| Environment | Ambient conditions, enclosure and ventilation | Establish the supplied equipment envelope. |
Engineering questions.
Can I choose a converter using turbine kW alone?
Selection also needs generator electrical characteristics, the output connection, operating limits and control interfaces.
Is generator voltage the same as converter output voltage?
They describe different locations. Identify the rating and measurement boundary of each value.
Does every controller include MPPT?
The function and its implementation must be established for the supplied equipment. This guide makes no universal MPPT claim.
Can I reuse an existing inverter?
Provide its identification and interface documentation for review against the turbine, operating requirements and proposed topology.
Can controllers and converters be supplied separately?
MARSTON can discuss separate supply. The required ratings, interfaces and responsibilities must be defined in the proposal.
Does a communication connection guarantee remote control?
Confirm the supported data, commands and permissions. A physical connection by itself does not establish remote operation.
Technical enquiry
Bring your project information to the discussion.
Selecting a controller or converter starts with the generator and the intended connection. Share the available information and the equipment scope you want reviewed in a technical quotation.