Wind Turbines come in 2.5 and 3 megawatt versions.
Press Release Summary:
Featuring permanent magnet synchronous generator and modular converter with full power conversion, Wind Turbines are based on force flow optimized bedplate, which joins all nacelle components on common structure. Machines rated at 2.5 megawatt feature 100 m rotor diameters, while 3 megawatt units offer 90 and 94 m rotor diameters. Pitch regulation system with power/torque control and use of drive train damper mitigate loads of larger rotor.
Original Press Release:
Latest Evolution Of GE Energy Wind Turbine Technology: 2.5 And 3-Megawatt Units Introduced
HUSUM, GERMANY - September 20, 2005 - Building on the experience and lessons learned from a fleet of more than 3,300 megawatt-plus wind turbines, GE Energy is launching its newest wind power technology at HUSUMwind 2005.
Evolving from GE's earlier 2.x megawatt series design, first introduced in 2003, the new 2.5 and 3-megawatt machines introduce a number of industry innovations, including a permanent magnet generator, a modular converter with full power conversion and advanced control technologies.
"Product evolution is one of the core capabilities GE is well recognized for," said Robert Gleitz, general manager of GE Energy's wind segment. "Our new 2.5 and 3.0 units have benefited from the diverse resources of GE's global research team, customer feedback, and field knowledge gained from the manufacture of more than 3,300 megawatt-plus wind turbines. With the many new innovations and improvements, these wind turbines are in a class of their own when it comes to availability, reliability and safety."
GE already has successfully tested a 2.5-megawatt prototype wind turbine, which was installed in May 2004 at Wieringermeer, the Netherlands, about 50 kilometers north of Amsterdam. Installation of the first 3-megawatt machine is planned for the summer of 2006. Both the 2.5 and the 3-megawatt wind turbines are expected to be commercially available in Europe by the end of 2006.
At the heart of the new wind turbines is a force flow optimized bedplate, which joins all nacelle components on a common structure, providing increased durability. The new 2.5-megawatt machine will be available with a 100-meter rotor diameter, while the 3-megawatt wind turbine will offer both 90 and 94-meter rotor diameters; these increased rotor sizes offer higher energy capture. Advanced control features, including a sophisticated pitch regulation system with power/torque control capability, and improved use of the drive train damper mitigate the increased loads of the larger rotor.
Both new units also employ a highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous generator, enabling higher efficiency at lower wind speeds. A new bearing design substantially increases the life and reliability of the gearbox by preventing bending and thrust loading produced in the rotor from impacting the gearbox. An advanced lubrication system, designed to increase reliability and lower operation and maintenance costs, automatically lubricates pitch, yaw, main and generator bearings.
A modular, full-power converter allows for simplified, more effective power quality control functions including harmonics, reactive power and flicker. Acting as a buffer, the converter protects both the generator and the gear box from the harmful effects of weak grid systems. It also enables the machine to be easily outfitted with GE's Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) electronics, which enable wind turbines to stay on-line, producing power even during severe grid disturbances.
Compatible with both 50 and 60-hertz grid systems, the new wind turbines also include an on-board crane, designed to simplify service and minimize cost.
The new machines join a GE Energy product line that includes the 1.5-megawatt wind turbine, one of the world's most widely used megawatt-class wind turbines; and the 3.6-megawatt offshore machine, the first wind turbine over three megawatts specifically designed for offshore use and successfully deployed in the 25-megawatt Arklow Offshore Wind Park off Ireland's eastern seaboard.
The continuing advancement of wind power technology is a key element of GE ecomagination (www.ge.com/ecomagination), a GE commitment to aggressively bring to market new technologies, including cleaner energy options like wind power, that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges. Launched in May of this year, ecomagination is at the forefront of the company's business initiatives.
About GE Energy
GE Energy (www.gepower.com) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technology, with 2004 revenue of $17.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy provides equipment, service and management solutions across the power generation, oil and gas, transmission and distribution, distributed power and energy rental industries.
With wind turbine design, manufacturing and assembly facilities in Germany, Spain and the United States, GE Energy is among the leading providers of wind energy products and support services ranging from commercial wind turbines and grid integration products to project development assistance and operation and maintenance. The company's knowledge base includes the development and/or installation of more than 7,500 wind turbines with a total rated output of 6,200 megawatts.
For more information, contact:
Dennis Murphy
GE Energy
+1 678 844 6948
dennis.murphy@ps.ge.com
