David Torrey, Ph. D. of GE Global Research, IEEE Industry Applications Society

Abstract: 
Wind turbines represent the second largest source of renewable power (though solar is gaining).  Wind energy started with land‐based turbines.  In recent years offshore wind turbines are being deployed to capture the steady winds and relieved height constraints. This lecture starts with a discussion of energy accounting for wind turbines by considering the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).  The drivetrains of onshore and offshore are then motivated by considering the dominant factors in LCOE.  The lecture then transitions to a discussion of permanent magnet generators (PMGs) used to support the direct‐drivetrains used in offshore wind turbines.  The converters through which the generator power is processed to the grid are discussed, including a discussion of space vector modulation for multi‐level converters.  The lecture concludes with a discussion of how the PMG is controlled through the converter. 

Biography:

David Torrey is a Senior Principal Engineer in the Electric Power organization at GE Global Research.  His research interests are in the design and control of electric machines, particularly within the context of integrated energy conversion systems.  His application experience ranges from machine design for subsea hydrocarbon pumping, electric submersible pumps, to design of next‐generation generators for offshore wind turbines, to design of engine‐embedded generators to support hybrid electric aircraft.  He holds several awarded and pending patents in the electric machine, power electronics, and control fields related to applications in transportation, renewable energy, oil and gas, and micro‐grids.  He has authored over 40 journal papers, over 70 conference papers, 3 book chapters, and one textbook in these areas.  He supervised 13 doctoral theses while on the faculty at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  He is a fellow of IEEE and IET. 

Email:

Address:Ballston Spa, New York, United States