NextEra Energy Resources has selected GE's WindBOOST technology to enhance the output from its fleet of approximately 800 GE 1.5 SLE wind turbines.
GE's WindBOOST control software makes it possible for GE 1.5 SLE wind turbines to increase output by up to 100 kW, enhancing productivity from 1.5 MW to 1.6 MW, according to GE. Depending on wind speed and other site atmospheric conditions, the WindBOOST control automatically activates to increase the energy produced by each unit. Alternatively, WindBOOST can be turned on and off remotely, providing flexibility to ramp up power production, according to the company.
‘Upgrading the GE wind turbines in our U.S. fleet gives us the opportunity for increased output with no significant hardware additions,’ says Manny Sanchez, vice president of wind operations for NextEra Energy Resources. ‘Improving resources by increasing the productivity of our installed wind turbines is a significant benefit.’
WindBOOST enables a wind turbine to improve operation within the full IEC Type IIB design envelope. This expanded mode operation is expected to produce up to 4% more annual energy output per wind turbine, according to GE.
WindBOOST is currently designed for both new and existing 60 Hertz GE 1.5 SLE wind turbines, with plans to apply the technology to additional 1.5 MW models.
SOURCE: GE
