A few months after its sales launch the new Siemens offshore flagship wind turbine, the SWT-7.0-154, has been installed as a prototype. The planned field testing of the 7 MW machine in Østerild, Denmark, mainly focuses on the upgraded generator and the enhanced electrical system. The majority of its other components equivalent to the technology of the already proved 6 MW version, including the 154 metre rotor. This latest addition to the D7 product platform is said to be able to produce 32 GWh per year of electricity under offshore wind conditions.
In May 2011 Siemens installed the first prototype of its direct drive offshore wind turbine. "The installation of the 7 MW version is an exciting step in its further development", says Morten Rasmussen, head of technology at Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division. "Based on the reliable technology and supply chain of our six megawatt machine we have improved our flagship wind turbine with stronger permanent magnets, optimised generator segments and upgraded converter and transformer units. With only these minor changes we expect to get it ready for serial production within two years."
The gearless drive technology permits a compact design, making the SWT-7.0-154 is the lightest turbine of its class, says its maker, and allowing existing cranes and installation vessels to carry out its installation. The gearless turbines have now been selected for around ten projects, the first of which are already in operation.
