Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has launched a new geared turbine SG 4.2-145, as a part of its new geared turbine platform, the Siemens Gamesa 4.X. In addition, SGRE has launched a new direct-drive offshore turbine, the SG 8.0-167 DD. Both these products are a part of SGRE’s new “One Segment/One Technology” philosophy announced in November 2017. By 2020, the company will have one technology for each business segment. In onshore, SGRE will streamline its technology approach and focus on geared solutions. In offshore, SGRE has opted for the direct-drive platform.
The SG 4.2-145 onshore model is rated at 4.2 MW and comprises a 145 metre rotor. Its medium wind design will cover a broad range of sites. The technology is based on proven concepts such as a three-stage gearbox and a double-fed induction generator. The turbine offers high flexibility in terms of power range that can be adjusted between 4 MW and 4.4 MW and tower configurations that allow for hub heights of 107.5 metres, 127.5 metres and 157.5 metres. It comes with two converter options that help comply even with enhanced demands in grid performance. The new 71-metre blades offer a risk-reduced design in terms of airfoil polar curves through wind tunnel test validation. Due to high absolute thickness at its root sections, the new blade achieves reduced mass at minimised cost. Chord alleviations in the mid-sections help reduce maximum loads while optimised tips mitigate noise. At full load, the turbine’s noise level is 106.9 dB. As compared to the G132-3.465 MW model, SG 4.2-145 offers an increased swept area of 21 per cent, resulting in an enhanced annual energy production (AEP) of more than 21 per cent. The prototype installation is planned for autumn 2018, while certification is expected by 2019. The production of the turbine will start in early 2019.
Meanwhile, the SG 8.0-167 DD offers a rotor diameter of 167 metres. It will use proven technology and allow a short time to market by reusing all other components from its predecessor, the SWT-7.0-154. With a rotor diameter of 167 metres, the new turbine, which uses B82 blades, will allow for an 18 per cent greater swept area and up to 20 per cent higher AEP than the SWT-7.0-154. The SG 8.0-167 DD is expected to be market-ready in 2020. To accelerate the time to market, SGRE is collaborating with Fraunhofer IWES in Bremerhaven, Germany.