Siemens' new direct-drive low wind turbine has reached the prototype testing stage. The installation of the SWT-3.15-142 at the Drantum wind test site has been completed last week. By the end of March it is expected to be fully operational. Than the testing focused on blade an performance evaluation will begin.
The new Siemens low wind turbine SWT-3.15-142 has a rotor Diameter of 142 m and is the first Siemens model to be fitted with hybrid-carbon technology based. The company expects it to set new standards.
Siemens ensures that even at average wind speeds of about 21 km/h the turbine will harvest an energy yield of 10 GWh per year. This is achieved by specific settings of the Siemens Integradted Control System (SICS) and the lightweight rotor blades produced by LM Wind Power.
Although the turbine is part of the onshore direct drive product platform and uses the same nacelle as other models like the SWT-3.6-130, meaning that major components like the hub, generator, cooling- and electrical system are proven to work, it is the first IEC Class IIIA turbine for this platform.
The Installation of the SWT-3.15-142 on the testing ground has been completed last week. The focus of the testing program of the prototype is on blade and performance evaluation. “We are confident that we can maintain short time to market and have this product ready for serial production by the end of 2017" said Morten Pilgaard Rasmussen, Head of Technology at Siemens Wind Power.
Philipp Kronsbein / Siemens