Inverters, TMC3 controllers and OrbiSCADA for Gaia wind turbines in the UK

Inverters, TMC3 controllers and OrbiSCADA for Gaia wind turbines in the UK

Walton Wind is a company dedicated to service & repair of renewable energy systems; onshore wind turbines in particular. They provide regular servicing, repairs and contract services to a variety of wind turbine systems including Gaia, Evoco, Proven, Evance and Bergey. Head swaps is a service Walton Wind has performed many times. The advantages are usually better production, reduced service and repair costs as well as remote monitoring and control.

Walton Wind is based in the north of England but serves customers all over the UK. John Walton who is the owner and manager is pleased to work closely with Orbital:

“Orbital is as a trustworthy supplier. When we initiated the collaboration, I traveled over to meet their R&D department and see the production. The trip gave me a positive impression of the company and technical insight into Orbital’s many wind turbine components. Since the visit, I have placed several orders, and each time I experience a flexible approach to delivery times, changes, and support related to installation and operation.”

The collaboration between Walton Wind and Orbital has evolved from inverter deliveries to also include OrbiSCADA monitoring and complete control panels with the TMC3 controller.

So far, Walton Wind has installed 10 single-phase Orbital inverters in the UK. The inverters are connected to Gaia 133 10/11 kW wind turbines to meet the grid requirements at sites with a single-phase electrical grid. Usually, the inverters are installed in a separate climate cabinet near the control cabinet for the wind turbines. Walton Wind has done the installation and commissioning of the inverters based on the installation manual and support from Orbital.

Orbital’s complete TMC3 control boards are the obvious choice for existing Gaia 133 wind turbines where the original controller needs replacement. Orbital delivers a complete plug and play solution with the TMC3 controller. Full documentation is included, and all control panels go through a predefined test procedure before leaving the factory. Walton Wind has experienced how straight forward it is to install and connect a complete control panel from Orbital and then monitor and change the wind turbine parameters through OrbiSCADA.

In 2021, Orbital has developed a SCADA product for Gaia wind turbines. It is a gateway solution connected to the original MITA controller, so the wind turbine sends data to OrbiSCADA, and it is possible to start, stop and reset the wind turbine. Orbital offered Walton Wind to participate in the test phase and provide product feedback. Subsequently, the product was launched and Walton Wind has purchased several units for Gaia wind turbines.