Technical description

Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and

switchgear
ENERCON E-126 EP3 3000 kW wind energy converter

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

Released: 2021-07-07 15:24
 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

Publisher ENERCON GmbH ▪ Dreekamp 5 ▪ 26605 Aurich ▪ Germany

Phone: +49 4941 927-0 ▪ Fax: +49 4941 927-109
E-mail: info@enercon.de ▪ Internet: http://www.enercon.de
Managing Directors: Momme Janssen, Jost Backhaus, Dr. Martin Prillmann, Jörg
Scholle
Local court: Aurich ▪ Company registration number: HRB 411
VAT ID no.: DE 181 977 360

Copyright notice The entire content of this document is protected by copyright and – with regard to
other intellectual property rights – international laws and treaties. ENERCON GmbH
holds the rights in the content of this document unless another rights holder is ex-
pressly identified or obviously recognisable.
ENERCON GmbH grants the user the right to make copies and duplicates of this
document for informational purposes for its own intra-corporate use; making this
document available does not grant the user any further right of use. Any other du-
plication, modification, dissemination, publication, circulation, surrender to third
parties and/or utilisation of the contents of this document – also in part – shall re-
quire the express prior written consent of ENERCON GmbH unless any of the above
is permitted by mandatory legislation.
Subject to technical change without prior notice.

The user is prohibited from registering any industrial property rights in the know-how
reproduced in this document, or for parts thereof.
If and to the extent that ENERCON GmbH does not hold the rights in the content of
this document, the user shall adhere to the relevant rights holder’s terms of use.

Registered trademarks Any trademarks mentioned in this document are intellectual property of the respect-
ive registered trademark holders; the stipulations of the applicable trademark law
are valid without restriction.

Reservation of right ENERCON GmbH reserves the right to change, improve and expand this document
of modification and the subject matter described herein at any time without prior notice, unless con-
tractual agreements or legal requirements provide otherwise.

Document details

Document ID D02108230/2.0‐en
Note Original document. Source document of this translation: D02108230/2.0-de/2021-06-30
Confidentiality FOR PROJECT-INTERNAL USE ONLY

Date Language DCC Plant/Department

2021-07-06 en DB ENERCON PLM GmbH / High Voltage Systems
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 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

Related documents

The titles of the documents listed are the titles of the original language versions, with translations of these titles in brack-
ets where applicable. The titles of superordinate standards and guidelines are indicated in the original language or as an
English translation. Document IDs always refer to the original language versions. If the document ID does not contain a
revision, the most recent revision of the document applies. This list contains documents concerning optional components
if necessary.

Higher-level standards and guidelines

Document ID Document

AwSV German Ordinance on facilities for handling substances that are hazardous to water

IEC 60076-1:2011 Power transformers – Part 1: General

IEC 60076-10:2016 Power transformers – Part 10: Determination of sound levels

IEC 60076-13:2006 Power transformers – Part 13: Self-protected liquid-filled transformers

IEC 60076-14:2013 Power transformers – Part 14: Liquid-immersed power transformers using high-

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

temperature insulation materials

IEC 60076-16:2018 Power transformers – Part 16: Transformers for wind turbine applications

IEC 60076-2:2011 Power transformers – Part 2: Temperature rise for liquid-immersed transformers

IEC 60076-3:2013 Power transformers – Part 3: Insulation levels, dielectric tests and external clear-
ances in air

IEC 60076-4:2002 Power transformers – Part 4: Guide to the lightning impulse and switching impulse
testing; power transformers and reactors

IEC 60076-5:2006 Power transformers – Part 5: Ability to withstand short circuit

IEC 60076-7:2018 Power transformers – Part 7: Loading guide for mineral-oil-immersed power trans-
formers

IEC 61099:2010 Insulating liquids - Specifications for unused synthetic organic esters for electrical
purposes

IEC 62271-200:2011-10 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 200: Metal-enclosed AC switchgear
for rated voltages above 1 kV and through 52 kV.

Associated documents

Document ID Document

D02108186 Technical description – Duct allocation in ENERCON steel tower foundations

D02109455 Technische Beschreibung Anschluss von LWL-Kabeln in ENERCON Windparks

Released: 2021-07-07 15:24

(Technical Description – Connection of fibre-optic cables in ENERCON wind farms)

D02109462 Technische Beschreibung Elektrischer Anschluss von Windenergieanlagen (Tech-

nical Description – Electrical connection of wind energy converters)

FOR PROJECT-INTERNAL USE ONLY

D02108230/2.0‐en / DB 3 of 17
 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

Document ID Document

D02133331 Technische Beschreibung Elektrischer Anschluss von Windenergieanlagen: Über-

gabestation und externe Transformatorstation (Technical Description – Electrical
connection of wind energy converters: Substation and external transformer station)
Subject to technical change without prior notice.

Released: 2021-07-07 15:24

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 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

Table of contents
List of abbreviations ............................................................................................... 6

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 7

2 Construction of tower-integrated transformer station ........................................ 8

3 Boundary of scope of supply  ................................................................................ 9

4 Electrical components  ......................................................................................... 11

4.1 Energy measurement  ............................................................................................ 11
4.2 Transformer ............................................................................................................ 12
4.2.1 Transformer protection  ....................................................................................... 13
4.3 Medium-voltage switchgear .................................................................................. 14
4.3.1 Technical data of the MV switchgear  ................................................................. 15
4.3.2 Operation of the MV switchgear  ......................................................................... 16

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

4.3.3 Optional configuration  ........................................................................................ 17
4.3.3.1 Key interlocking  .................................................................................................. 17
4.3.3.2 Automatic reclosing (ARS)  ................................................................................. 17
4.3.3.3 Automatic reclosing with Smart Energize (ARS-SE)  .......................................... 17

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 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

List of abbreviations

Abbreviations
ARS Automatic Reclosing System
AwSV German ordinance on systems for the processing of substances hazardous to
the aquatic environment
ETFS ENERCON Transformatorschutz (ENERCON transformer protection)
EWM Electrical Works Manager
FT FACTS transmission (electrical configuration with FACTS properties)
FTQ FACTS Transmission with Q+ option (electrical configuration with extended re-
active power range)
FTQS FACTS Transmission with Q+ option and STATCOM option (electrical configura-
tion with extended reactive power range and STATCOM option)
FTS FACTS Transmission with STATCOM option
Subject to technical change without prior notice.

HV High voltage
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
LV Low voltage
MV Medium voltage
TiT Tower-integrated transformer station
WEC Wind energy converter

Variables, units, formulas

Hz Hertz
kV Kilovolt
kVA Kilovolt-ampere
SF6   Sulphur hexafluoride
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 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

1 Introduction
This grid connection version (ENERCON ‘Standard 1’) describes the design of the tower-
integrated transformer station (TiT).
An external transformer station outside of the WEC, is therefore not required. All WEC
grid connection components, such as the transformer and MV switchgear, are installed in
the tower.

Highest operator safety

The tower-integrated transformer station design ensures a high level of operator safety.
The MV switchgears, for example, is equipped with a pressure relief channel or an arc
fault limiter and active conductors which are covered and/or sealed off in a touch-proof
manner. The MV switchgear is equipped with a motor-drive mechanism for the trans-
former breaker. A remote control unit ensures that the transformer can be switched off be-
fore the operator enters the MV room. Mechanical and electrical interlocking reduces the
risk of switching errors.

Quick and easy installation at the construction site

The construction measures are significantly reduced compared to the installation of an ex-

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

ternal transformer station.

Minimal space requirements

There are no additional space requirements for an external transformer station or wide
cable trenches for the installation of LV cables.

Environmentally friendly installation

The transformers are filled with biodegradable cooling liquids. In addition, an oil-tight pan
is installed beneath the transformer.

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 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

2 Construction of tower-integrated transformer station

The E-Module consists of several levels. The MV switchgear, the transformer, the control
cabinet and the power cabinets are located on the various levels.
There are differences in the design of the E-modules. The exact layout and the size of the
modules depend on the type of WEC, the tower height and the tower diameter.
Subject to technical change without prior notice.

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 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

3 Boundary of scope of supply

Already during the initiation phase, the boundaries of scope of supply must be clearly
defined in order to avoid misunderstandings with regard to responsibilities or missing parts
and hence potential delays in commissioning the WEC.
According to this ENERCON standard, ENERCON supplies and installs the necessary
components up to the boundary of its scope of supply.
ENERCON’s scope of supply does not include connecting the MV plugs to the cable pan-
els on the MV switchgear, or the MV plugs themselves. These connections must be com-
pleted by a qualified electrical contractor as part of the wind farm cabling work.
The following documents contain more detailed information:
■ D02109462 ‘Technische Beschreibung Elektrischer Anschluss von Windenergieanla-
gen’ (Technical Description – Electrical connection of wind energy converters)
■ D02133331 ‘Technische Beschreibung Elektrischer Anschluss von Windenergieanla-
gen: Übergabestation und externe Transformatorstation’ (Technical Description –
Electrical connection of wind energy converters: Substation and external transformer
station)
■ D02109455 ‘Technische Beschreibung Anschluss von LWL-Kabeln in ENERCON

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

Windparks’ (Technical Description – Connection of fibre-optic cables in ENERCON
wind farms)
■ D02108186 ‘Technical description – Duct allocation in ENERCON steel tower founda-
tions’

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 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW
Subject to technical change without prior notice.

Fig. 1: Schematic diagram for ENERCON Standard 1 WEC

1 Generator 6 Residual current monitoring trans-
former
2 Rectifier 7 Transformer
3 Inverter 8 MV switchgear
4 LV switchgear 9 Limit to the scope of supply
5 LV meter 10 Medium-voltage plug
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4 Electrical components

4.1 Energy measurement

For measuring the power/energy generated by the WEC, the WEC is equipped with a fully
internal measuring system. This is not suitable for providing data to external parties.
Optionally, an energy measurement system can be installed, which can also provide the
necessary data to external parties. For this purpose, a set of current transformers is in-
stalled on the low-voltage busbar. Data from the current transformers, as well as the low
voltage itself, can be provided at a specified NCP in the WEC to enable customised meas-
urement/metering of the energy.
Optionally, a meter box/cabinet can be provided to accommodate an energy meter. In the
event of low voltages above 400 V, this meter cabinet also contains appropriate voltage
transformers that reduce the generated voltage to 100 V.
The energy meter itself is not included in the scope of supply and must be procured for
the specific project and according to the specifications of the measuring point operator.
Tab. 1: Current transformer

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

Rated primary current Ipn [A]: Depending on WEC power
Rated secondary current Isn [A]: 5
Accuracy class: Min. 0.5
Rated burden Zn [VA]: Min. 10

Tab. 2: Voltage transformer

Rated primary voltage Upr [V]:
  Depending on low voltage
Rated secondary voltage Usr [V]:
  100/√3
Accuracy class: Min. 0.5
Nominal power [VA]: min. 5 (pf0.8) VA

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Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

4.2 Transformer
The power generated by the WEC at an output voltage of 400V is transmitted to the MV
wind farm grid via the transformer.
ENERCON installs only hermetically sealed oil transformers. These have the following be-
nefits:
■ High resistance to mechanical load
■ Good heat dissipation
■ Compact housing protected against touch
■ Low susceptibility to overload and cyclic load
As early as in the initiation phase, the grid voltage level/frequency at the network connec-
tion point needs to be requested from the respective grid operator and made available to
ENERCON, in order to ensure that the transformers for the appropriate medium voltage
and grid frequency are ordered.

The values of the medium voltage side nominal grid voltage in the wind farm and
nominal grid frequency are to be specified in the WEC delivery contract.
Subject to technical change without prior notice.

The hermetically sealed and earthed transformer tank and the itouch proof MV connec-
tions offer a high degree of protection against direct contact.
The transformer is positioned in a AwSV-certified drip pan which is designed to accom-
modate the complete liquid volume of the transformer.
A synthetic ester with a fire point ≥ 300 °C (coolant type K3 acc. to IEC 61099) is used as
an insulating and cooling liquid for the transformer.
The risk of a burning transformer is rated as being low, as the hermetically sealed tank
would need to burst open in case of an internal fault, to allow ingress of oxygen. Tank rup-
ture is prevented through a comprehensive, redundant protection system.
Tab. 3: Technical data for transformer
Parameter Value
Nominal power, FT/FTS [kVA] 3500
Nominal power, FTQ/FTQS [kVA] 3800
Type Step-up transformer for wind energy con-
verters
Nominal frequency [Hz] In accordance with grid frequency
Nominal voltage, on the suction side [kV] According to nominal voltage in wind farm
grid
Off-circuit tap changer design Off load
Ambient temperature [°C] -25 to +50
Max. installation altitude above sea level 1000
[m]
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Sound power level LW in dB[A]

  ≤ 78
Operating mode Continuous operation
Standards complied with Applicable sections of IEC 60076 (see sec-
tion Applicable documents)

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4.2.1 Transformer protection

Transformers installed by ENERCON have a comprehensive protection system:
■ Overcurrent and short circuit protection on the MV side of the transformer
■ Analogue temperature sensor
■ Oil pressure indicator
■ Oil level switch
■ Short-circuit protection on the low-voltage side of the transformer

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

1 2 3

Fig. 2: Transformer protection sensors (example)

1 Analogue temperature sensor
2 Oil pressure indicator
3 Oil level switch

Details of the protective functions:

■ The overcurrent and short circuit protection on the MV side acts directly on the MV
transformer breaker.
■ In the event of a short circuit inside the power cabinet, the low-voltage protection sys-
tem protects the power cabinet, the transformer and the LV cables between the LV
distribution system and the power cabinets.
■ Two-stage temperature monitoring is provided by means of a temperature-dependent
resistor in the temperature pocket of the transformer. If the warning threshold is
reached, the output power of the WEC is reduced. When the shutdown threshold is
Released: 2021-07-07 15:24

reached, the WEC is shut down. This prevents overload on the transformer.
■ The oil pressure monitor and the oil level switch actuate a trip coil on the MV trans-
former switch via the ETFS box.

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E-126 EP3 3000 kW

4.3 Medium-voltage switchgear

Unless agreed otherwise, ENERCON installs only SF6-insulated switchgears. These
 

switchgears offer the following benefits:

■ Long service life
■ High operator safety
■ Excellent protection against environmental impacts
■ Compact and enclosed design
■ Low maintenance
All SF6-insulated MV switchgears installed by ENERCON, including their fitted parts, are
 

checked for fulfilment of the ENERCON specification criteria within the framework of
ENERCON’s prequalification procedure and approved for installation. The prequalification
procedure includes practical type testing of the complete plant configuration to ensure
compliance with IEC 62271-200.
The MV switchgears installed by ENERCON are provided with a pressure relief channel
that is connected to the switchgear. In the event of an internal fault the gas pressure gen-
erated is released via a predetermined breaking point (bursting disk). The bursting disk
only opens when the amount of energy generated by the fault is great enough to destroy
Subject to technical change without prior notice.

the disk. However, practical experience has shown that in most cases the energy gener-
ated (I2×t) is not great enough to cause gas leakage. Any gas mixture that may leak is
 

cooled down and depressurised in the pressure relief channel. The remaining gas pres-
sure can escape via the relief channel into a non-critical area away from the operator.
In the event of a fault in the cable terminal compartment the pressure generated is also
dissipated to the pressure relief channel via the basis.

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E-126 EP3 3000 kW

4.3.1 Technical data of the MV switchgear

Tab. 4: Technical specifications for the medium-voltage switchgear
Rated voltage Ur [kV] 24 36
Nominal frequency [Hz] 50/60
Number of switchgear bays 2*
Insulating medium SF6  

Design Compact
Operating mode Continuous operation
Rated normal busbar current Ir [A] ≥
  630
Transformer bay/transformer protection Circuit breaker or load break switch fuse
combination*
Rated short-time withstand current Ik [kA] ≥  16
Rated duration of short-circuit tk [s] ≥
  1
Rated short-circuit making current Ima [kA] ≥ 50

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

 

Rated short-time power-frequency withstand 50 70

voltage Ud Conductor – Earth [kV] ≥
 

Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage Up   125 170

Conductor – Earth [kV] ≥
Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage Up   145 190
on isolating distance [kV] ≥

For further details or questions about operating voltages > 36 kV, please contact the EWM
in charge.
* Depending on the expected rated current, which results from the respective transformer
rating and the grid voltage, as well as the maximum permissible ampacity of the MV
switchgear according to manufacturer, load break switches with HV HRC fuses or circuit
breakers are used.
The standard MV switchgear implemented consists of a cable panel and a transformer
bay. A MV cable system with an outer diameter of the cables of up to 52 mm can be con-
nected in the cable panel. Alternatively, 2 MV cable systems with a cable cross-section of
500 mm² + 240 mm² can be connected (‘piggyback’). Depending on the size of the wind
farm, the number of WECs and their power, cables may be laid with a cable cross-section
> 500 mm². In this case, a larger MV switchgear with 2 or more cable panels are required.
On a case-specific basis and depending on the tower type, it must be verified whether this
is compatible with the WEC-integrated MV components.
As an alternative, larger MV switchgear can be installed in an external station near to the
WEC. Contact the ENERCON EWM in charge of information about this solution.
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 Technical description
Grid connection version standard 1 – Transformer and switchgear
E-126 EP3 3000 kW

4.3.2 Operation of the MV switchgear

To maximise operator safety, ENERCON fits the WEC with a transformer control cabinet
that features an integrated remote control unit for the MV transformer breaker. This re-
mote control unit allows the MV transformer breaker to be switched on and off inside the
WEC at the entrance level from outside the tower-integrated transformer station. The MV
transformer breaker is provided with a motor-driven mechanism and a trip coil allowing it
to be switched on and off.
The remote control unit is secured with a padlock so that it can be operated by switching
authorised persons only.
In the event of a gas leak, the indicator of the pressure gauge moves into the ‘red’ zone.
In this case it is no longer allowed to operate the switchgear. Qualified, switching author-
ised persons employed by ENERCON have been instructed to check the gas pressure be-
fore performing any switching operation. The electric circuit of the transformer breaker is
fitted with an integrated electric interlock that prevents switching operations at insufficient
gas pressure.
ENERCON personnel are obliged to switch off the transformer before entering the WEC-
integrated transformer station.
Switching operations on the cable panels of the MV switchgear can only be performed
Subject to technical change without prior notice.

manually, observing the 5 safety rules and using personal protection equipment as inten-
ded. These switching operations must be performed by qualified personnel.

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4.3.3 Optional configuration

4.3.3.1 Key interlocking

On request, the MV switchgear can be provided with an additional key interlocking sys-
tem. The key interlocking system allows interlocking of switchgear panels or switches of
different MV switchgears in different WECs against each other. This way a precisely
defined sequence can be specified for switching the MV switchgears on and off. This op-
tion may be necessary due to customer, grid operator and/or country-specific require-
ments.

4.3.3.2 Automatic reclosing (ARS)

On request ENERCON can provide the MV switchgear with an electric system for
staggered automatic reclosing (ARS) of the MV transformer breaker after loss of mains.
The electric system of the automatic reclosing feature comprises the following key com-
ponents:
■ Voltage detection system
■ Control system

Subject to technical change without prior notice.

Some grids require automatic reclosing of MV circuit breakers after clearance of grid
faults. The introduction of staggered automatic reclosing is based on the requirement of
the relevant distribution grid operator to avoid high transformer inrush currents and hence
short-term voltage dips when the WEC transformers are connected.
After loss of mains > 10 s, all MV transformer breakers in the corresponding wind farm are
automatically triggered in MV switchgears equipped with ARS.
The voltage detection system in the cable panel of the MV switchgear detects voltage re-
turn. The voltage detection system triggers the staggered automatic reconnection of the
MV transformer breaker. This prevents simultaneous reconnection of multiple trans-
formers and the associated high inrush currents.

4.3.3.3 Automatic reclosing with Smart Energize (ARS-SE)

If the relevant distribution grid operator requires the prevention of transformer inrush cur-
rents and the associated short-term voltage dips when the individual WEC transformers
are connected, the ARS System described above can be expanded to include this option.
With ENERCON Smart Energize, the residual magnetism in the transformer is set to a
defined value prior to switching on by way of pre-magnetisation on the low-voltage side.
This allows the residual magnetism to be determined. Then, ENERCON Smart Energize is
synchronised with the phase position of the grid and switches the transformer on in the
predefined phase position. Coordinating the residual magnetism and the switching-on
angle means that only very low inrush currents will occur, which will be within the range of
the transformer’s nominal current, generally even significantly lower.
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