Electrical Power Systems (EPS) is one of Woodward's four business segments.
This segment focuses on electrical power generation, distribution, conversion (predominately wind power), and quality using AC measurement, digital controls, electrical actuation, advanced communications, and grid-connected inverter technologies.
PowerConnect describes a strategy that addresses the two main trends in the electrical power industry:
• Distributed Energy Resource (DER) integration
• Smart electrical power distribution grids
Woodward's PowerConnect provides solutions for the electrical power industry's Reliability, Availability, Quality, and ultimately power Security needs (SQRA).
PowerConnect enables the integration of electrical power systems. That means distributed generation, medium & low voltage distribution, and use of electrical energy in an IT connected infrastructure.
PowerConnect stays for total solutions capabilities in the electrical industry.
The continued expansion of the global economy is driving unprecedented demand for electrical energy. At the same time, high oil prices and concerns about climate change compel cutbacks in fossil fuel use and reduced CO2 emissions. As a consequence there is now a vital need to increase production from renewable sources like wind power, solar and methane from landfills and wastewater treatment. The geographically-dispersed nature of renewable sources dictates that electricity generated from them must be transmitted through a distributed network.
Present-day transmission grids, designed for transferring power outward from a central source, are now overburdened and failures are becoming more frequent. Diminishing reliability and ever-rising energy costs have many consumers turning to distributed generation: for emergency backup to insure availability, for combined heat and power generation (cogen) to improve efficiency and for peak-shave rate reductions through mains paralleling. Utilities and electrical cooperatives are progressively employing distributed generation as large-scale, centralized power plants have become prohibitively expensive to build and face growing opposition from environmental groups.
The shift to distributed generation is changing long-established conceptions about how electricity should be produced, transmitted and utilized. Power flow through the grid is becoming more decentralized and bi-directional. Local measurement, fault detection and remote control are now essential for stability and intelligent load management. A new approach is needed: one that encourages greater use of renewable sources and facilitates interconnection of distributed power generation using advanced monitoring, communication and control.
Woodward is recognized as a leader in the field of advanced power generation and distribution products. We continue to build on our legacy by creating cutting edge control and protection devices, designed to work in complex systems to meet the needs of tomorrow’s smart grids. Our global strategy for melding all aspects of power generation and distribution to enable electrical power systems integration is called PowerConnect.
PowerConnect - Enabling Electrical Power Systems Integration.
