Siemens Energy has launched a new direct-drive, gearless wind turbine at the EWEA 2011 conference in Brussels. The core feature of the new SWT-2.3-113 wind turbine is a drive concept with a compact permanent magnet generator.
This type of generator is characterized by its simple, robust design, requiring no excitation power, slip rings or excitation control systems. This results in high efficiency even at low loads.
With a capacity of 2.3 MW and a rotor diameter of 113 meters, the new wind turbine is designed to maximize power production at sites with low to moderate wind speeds, according to the company. The SWT-2.3-113 is fitted with the new Siemens B55 Quantum blades. This new blade design boosts efficiency and optimizes performance. A prototype of the new machine was recently installed in the Netherlands.
Together with the SWT-2.3-113, Siemens is introducing the Quantum Blade, a new generation of rotor blades that is lighter than previous models.
The new B55 Quantum Blade used for the new wind turbine is 55 meters long and features a redesigned tip and root section. The root section uses Siemens' ‘flatback’ profiles to minimize root leakage and provide greater lift. The blade tip has also been redesigned to minimize loads and reduce noise levels, according to the company.
SOURCE: Siemens
