TÜV NORD has issued a design conformity statement for GE Renewable Energy’s 2.7-116 turbine in accordance with the IEC 61400-22 standard.
This is the first time that GE Renewable Energy has sought or received such a certification, the company says. The conformity statement covers a period of 40 years.
The GE 2.7-116 onshore wind turbine has a diameter of 116 meters, 56.9-meter-long rotor blades and a hub height of 90 meters. Generating an output of 2.7 MW, the turbine is designed primarily for areas with strong winds.
“Normally, we certify wind turbines for a period of 20 years,” explains Mike Wöbbeking, executive vice president of renewables at TÜV NORD and general manager of TÜV NORD EnSys. “The design review for such a long period of time was a real milestone for us, as well.”
Sheri Hickok, general manager for global product development at GE Onshore Wind, says, “We’re delighted to have been able to partner with TÜV NORD on this certification milestone. We believe it is significant for our customers because it will both help them lower LCOE and de-risk their wind farms – both key considerations at the industry grows and matures.”
In issuing the statement, TÜV NORD conducts a thorough evaluation of the design of the wind turbine. This process includes, for example, the calculation of the turbine loads and the verification of the component design (e.g., rotor blade, mechanical components and structures, tower, and internals). The safety system, electrical system and manufacturing processes are also evaluated.
