Acciona Windpower, Acciona Energy's wind turbine manufacturing and supply division, has introduced its AW-3000 machine at PowerExpo 2008 Exhibition in Zaragoza, Spain. The new 3 MW rated capacity wind turbine expands the company's range of products in the multi-megawatt market segment.
Designed to leverage the proven strength and high reliability of the company's AW-1500 machine, the AW-3000 offers superior power performance in a variety of wind resource conditions to optimize an owner's investment, according to the company. The turbine also incorporates superior technical solutions already proven through the AW-1500 in terms of operating capacity and easy maintenance.
The new AW turbine is designed for different wind classes (IEC Ia, IEC IIa and IEC IIIa) and will be manufactured with three rotor diameter options – depending on the characteristics of a specific site – 100, 109 and 116 meters. The turbine is supplied with a concrete tower of 100-meter or 120-meter hub height.
Electricity is generated at medium voltage (12 kV), which reduces production losses and transformer costs. The main shaft is installed on a double frame to reduce loads on the gearbox and extend its working life. The AW-3000 operates at variable speed with an independent pitch system for each blade – again, with the aim of reducing loads on the unit and optimizing power production.
The machine is equipped with a number of intelligent control and monitoring systems, such as a control and power unit, a condition monitoring system for certain key components, and an automatic lubrication system for the main shaft, generator and blades.
The AW-3000 wind turbine will be available on the market in 2009, with deliveries of the first machines expected in the second half of 2010.
SOURCE: Acciona Windpower
