Senvion has completed the installation of the first 3.4M140 EBC wind turbine prototype. The turbine, equipped with a sound-optimized blade profile and new pitch control system to reduce turbine load, was installed in Heckelberg, Germany, for the Notus energy Group.
The prototype in Heckelberg can power nearly 3,000 households per year, despite low wind conditions, says Senvion. Due to the larger rotor compared with previous models and the 68-meter blades at these tower heights, this type of turbine is particularly suited for low-wind locations, such as forested and mountainous areas, the company explains.
The Senvion 3.4M140 is equipped with the Next Electrical System, which Senvion introduced for its 3.XM series at the HANNOVER MESSE 2015. The gearbox-based concept, which features an asynchronous generator and a fully rated converter, permits stable grid feed-in and satisfies the future grid requirements in a range of markets, according to the company. Now, serial production for the turbine with hub heights of 110 and 130 meters will start toward the end of this year.
Jürgen Geissinger, CEO of Senvion, says, “Senvion is focused on optimization and developing the most cost-efficient solutions for our clients. The Senvion 3.4M140 EBC is one of the quietest turbines on the market, and the load-reducing pitch control system ensures a cost-effective design. This development makes a significant reduction to the levelized cost of energy and demonstrates that even inland low-wind locations can be profitable.”
Heiner Röger, managing partner of Notus energy, adds, “We are very pleased to celebrate the commissioning of the first 3.4M140 EBC turbine prototype in Heckelberg. Our first installation with Senvion was carried out very quickly, and so the project ended with a success. The realization of the project took place in a constructive and communicative atmosphere and laid the foundations for further common projects in the future.”
