New Siemens onshore wind turbine offers less noise at optimum performance

High performance at low to medium wind speeds – that’s what the new Siemens low noise SWT-3.3-130LN wind turbine offers customers. The new model operates at a reduced rotor speed compared to the SWT-3.3-130, and includes aerodynamic add-ons to its rotor blades. Utilizing these add-ons, it can be operated at a noise level of 104.9 decibels. The new machine will be available in early 2017 in parallel with two additional onshore models launched by Siemens at the WindEnergy 2016 trade show in Hamburg.

The fast air stream passing the tips of the rotor is primarily responsible for the characteristic noise of a wind turbine in operation. Aeroacoustic optimizations of the B63 blades allow silent operation of the new SWT–3.3-130LN turbine: In addition to vortex generators on the blade surface, trailing edges are equipped with a combination of serrations and combs, known as the new Siemens DinoTail Next Generation. Each combed teeth element creates fine vortices at the point where the fast air stream from above the blade profile meets the slower air stream flowing below. As a result, the aerodynamic noise from the trailing edge of the blade is reduced significantly. The result is high performance at low rotor speed. This enables the SWT-3.3-130LN to reach a maximum rating of 3.3 megawatts (MW) with a noise emission reduced by nearly two decibels compared to the SWT-3.3-130 launched in 2014.

The SWT-3.3-130LN wind turbine represents a combination of proven Siemens direct drive technology and cutting edge aerodynamics. Even at an average wind speed of 6.5 meters per second, it harvests an Annual Energy Production (AEP) of around 11 gigawatt-hours. At 8.5 meters per second, the AEP actually reaches 16 gigawatt-hours.

“With our SWT-3.3-130LN wind turbine, our customers bank on reliable technology and add the advantage of a significant effect in noise mitigation,” says Thomas Richterich, CEO Onshore der Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division. “The new model closes a gap in our portfolio: Wherever an IEC IIA class turbine is needed but noise protection requirements set limits, this wind turbine is the definite first choice.”

Image: The new low noise turbine SWT-3.3-130LN can be operated at a noise level reduced by nearly 2 decibels compared to its predecessor. Photo © Siemens AG