Siemens introduces new onshore Direct Drive wind turbine for medium wind sites

Meeting the growing demand of wind turbines suited for moderate wind speeds, Siemens presents its new wind turbine model SWT-3.6-130 for IEC class II sites. Especially designed for medium wind sites and based on proven Direct Drive technology, the latest addition to the portfolio delivers 3.6 megawatts (MW) of electric power. The new benchmark for medium wind turbines produces maximum energy yields at moderate wind speeds using a 130-meter rotor. It can be configured with tubular steel towers as well as hybrid towers for hub heights up to 165 meters. Serial production is planned for early 2017.

With the second generation of the Siemens direct drive product platform introduced in 2014, Siemens’ engineers uprated the generator and increased its power capacity. Further scaled components, such as an integrated cooling system in the nacelle, ensure optimal cooling of the generator and other electrical components. The new SWT-3.6-130 releases even more torque reserves. Like its predecessor the new unit uses B63 blades measuring 63 meters in length. These aeroelastically tailored blades limit the static loading of nacelle and tower as the blade ends act to cushion and absorb wind pressure. The DinoTail Next Generation add-ons help to keep the speed of the 130-meter rotor up while controlling noise. Thanks to these improvements, the new SWT-3.6-130 is able to harvest an annual energy output (AEP) of up to 17 gigawatt hours (GWh) at 8.5 m/s.

“The new SWT-3.6-130 sets a competitive benchmark for wind turbines designed to harvest maximum power outputs in environments with moderate wind conditions,” says Thomas Richterich, CEO Onshore of the Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division. “Our new unit impressively demonstrates the potential of our modular platform concept allowing further development and maximizing AEP.”

Siemens’ direct drive technology has an excellent track record. Approximately 1,300 Onshore direct drive wind turbines are in operation worldwide.

Image: The new SWT-3.6-130 wind turbine harvests an annual energy output (AEP) of around 17 gigawatt hours (GWh) at average wind speed of 8.5 m/s. Photo © Siemens AG