Siemens Energy has uprated its D3 onshore platform wind turbines. The new SWT-3.2-101, SWT-3.2-108 and SWT-3.2-113 machines feature improved performance from 3.0 to 3.2 megawatts (MW) and implement the sum of design and operational experiences. The uprated products will enter serial production by the end of 2014. They will be available with 101 and 108 meter rotors for IEC class IA sites, and a 113 meter rotor for IEC class IIA sites. The 3 MW version will remain available for project sites with lower wind speeds.
Simplicity and efficiency were the key words when Siemens developed its first commercial direct drive turbine in 2009. Following five years of experience and a large number of D3 wind turbines installed worldwide, the fundamental approach remains the same, but the technology continues to be refined. The uprated Siemens D3 wind turbines represent a classical wind turbine evolution, combining the reliability of a proven and tested concept with cutting edge technology development. Improvements in the turbine control system and increased efficiency through the use of stronger magnets are the key factors that allowed Siemens to get more power out of the D3 drivetrain.
The uprating underlines the structural reserves already found in the construction of Siemens' gearless wind turbines. "One important goal of our development work is to utilize innovation to further tap the technical potential of our products," says Henrik Stiesdal, CTO of Siemens Wind Power. "Rotors, structures and performance have been tested intensively to simulate more than 20 years of lifetime stress. This resulted in a new product generation which offers the reliability of the predecessor while delivering up to 4 percent more energy yield."
Wind power and the associated service activities are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. Around 43 percent of the company's revenues are generated by green products and solutions. That makes Siemens one of the world's leading providers of eco-friendly technology.