Company's Implementation Activities
Between 2010 and 2012, the company completed the first stage of the project “Specialized Drive Systems with Frequency Converters for a Wide Range of Applications,” during which six new products were developed:
- The AFC200 series of single-phase, compact frequency converters with vector control algorithms;
- MFC1000 three-phase frequency converters featuring vector control, sinusoidal current draw, and bidirectional energy flow;
- PZGS inverter-based generator systems enabling electricity generation from renewable energy sources (wind turbines supported by solar energy and battery storage) and supplying this energy to the existing power grid with power ratings up to 22 kW;
- PZWG inverter drive systems for gas transport fans;
- FNS electric drive system for a light commercial vehicle;
- PZGW generator sets that enable electricity generation from water-powered generators and feed energy into the existing power grid with power ratings ranging from 22 kW to 355 kW.
In response to the evolving demands of the modern market, the Power Electronics Department continuously improves its products and expands the portfolio to meet customer expectations.
The company’s technical development is expected to focus on the following key areas:
- AC drive systems with standard squirrel-cage induction motors (ongoing enhancement of drive parameters, improved interaction with the power grid, expanded functionality, and integration of PLC functions for universal control systems);
- Medium-voltage frequency converters with input voltages of 6 kV and 10 kV;
- Servo drives with brushless motors;
- Industrial communication buses (especially for synchronous motor operation), along with application software designed for use with personal computers and industrial controllers;
- Inverter-based generator systems (PZGS and PZGW) supporting energy generation from renewable sources – wind, hydro, and solar power plants;
- Frequency converters dedicated to mining applications;
- E-mobility: inverters for DC fast-charging stations compliant with CCS Combo 1/2, ISO-15118, CHAdeMO standards, and inverters for electric vehicle drive systems.
From a commercial perspective, the company sees its future in entering new European markets, particularly in the eastern region.
As of January 1, 2010, the TWERD Power Electronics Facility began the implementation of the project: “Specialized Drive Converter Systems with a Wide Range of Applications.”
The aim of the project was to enhance the company’s competitiveness in both national and international markets through the implementation of product and process innovations. Product innovation was achieved by developing six new products which, due to the need for research and for transparent reporting, were grouped into the four following scientific and industrial tasks within Stage I:
- Development of technical and structural assumptions, as well as control algorithms
- Design and production of model systems
- Research on model systems
- Verification and optimization of accepted design and software solutions
As a result of these tasks, six products were developed:
- A line of compact, single-phase frequency converters with vector control algorithm — under the working name AFC200
- Three-phase frequency converters with vector control, sinusoidal current consumption, and bidirectional energy flow — MFC1000
- Generator converter systems PZGS for converting energy from renewable sources (wind turbines with solar and battery support) and transferring it to the grid (up to 22 kW)
- Fan drive converter systems for gas transport — PZWG
- Drive system for an electric delivery truck — FNS
- Generator systems PZGW for converting energy from hydro generators and transferring it to the grid (from 22 to 355 kW)
Following the completion of Tasks 1–4, marketing research was planned to assess the feasibility of implementing Measure 4.1. The implementation of Measures 1.4 would not have been possible without significant investment, which was carried out under Measure 4.1 – Stage II of the project application. Costs included consulting and investment expenditures aimed at modernizing the production process through the construction of a new company headquarters, purchase of research-grade motor kits, computer hardware and software, assembly and measuring equipment — to achieve optimal quality parameters in the manufactured drive systems.
The implementation of the project contributed to improving the technological and organizational level of the company, increasing its development potential, attracting more investment, and creating conditions for employment growth.
Implementation Timeline:
Stage I: Measure 1.4 – 01.01.2010 – 31.12.2012
Stage II: Measure 4.1 – 01.01.2013 – 30.09.2015
Planned Expenses:
Total project cost: PLN 9,048,650.00
Eligible costs:
Stage I – PLN 3,031,100.00
a. Industrial research – PLN 647,800.00
b. Development work – PLN 2,383,300.00
Support intensity:
a. 70% – Funding amount: PLN 453,460.00
b. 45% – Funding amount: PLN 1,075,485.00
Stage II – PLN 5,058,800.00
Support intensity – 69.21% of eligible costs, funding amount: PLN 3,501,160.00
Stage I was completed on December 31, 2012. The report received a positive evaluation from TARR S.A. by letter No. 978/P6/RIF/2013 dated 04.03.2013.
Following this positive evaluation, we received funding for Stage II, which began on January 1, 2013, under the Financing Agreement No. UDA-POIG.01.04.00-04-033/09-00 and UDA-POIG.04.01.00-04-033/09-00 §2, point 6. Stage II was completed in 2015
Contact person for project information:
MSc Justyna Beńka
Tel. 56 654 60 91, 666 067 279
The project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Programme “Innovative Economy” (POIG).
The company “Zakład Energoelektroniki TWERD Michał Twerd” is also a beneficiary of the Operational Programme “Smart Growth” and received funding under the POIR, Measure 1.1 for the implementation of the project:
“Modular Power Electronics System for Sustainable Renewable Energy Management with Storage Function – for Household and Industrial Use.”
Project Summary:
In 2015, the installed capacity of photovoltaic power plants in Poland increased by more than 800% compared to 2014. It is estimated that 98% of all photovoltaic capacity was installed during 2014–2015.
Therefore, the main objective of the project is to develop and build an innovative power electronics system — new to the Polish market — that enables the integration of renewable energy sources (particularly photovoltaic systems) installed by individual and industrial users with the power supply system and energy storage units.
The system will allow for balanced and efficient management of renewable energy — primarily for the consumer’s own needs, reducing dependence on the supplier, and for commercial energy export to the grid, for instance during peak hours or to support energy balance.
The key advantage of the system will be its comprehensiveness and broad functionality compared to existing market products. Key features include: Ultra-fast scanning of photovoltaic characteristics with global MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithm, Enhanced resistance to voltage disturbances and outages in the power grid, Local reactive power balancing, Possibility of parallel connection of 20 kVA modules (scalability), Ensuring uninterrupted access to electricity — both in grid-connected and off-grid autonomous modes.
The project will involve the development of a system prototype, including the creation of models, advanced control algorithms, and the execution of a complete set of simulation and experimental studies.
Project cost: PLN 4,304,050.23
Granted funding: PLN 3,155,055.83
Implementation period: 01.10.2017 – 30.09.2020
