Researchers from the Fraunhofer IWES and the Wind Energy Research Team (FITT) are collaborating on developing a new direct drive 3MW wind turbine design concept.
The integrated hub generator of the Fraunhofer IWES and the Wind Energy Research Team (FITT) from the Saarland Technical and Business College represents a new gearless drive concept for wind turbine drive trains. The core component of the new concept is its integrated generator construction. The rotor blades are attached directly to the generator and not as previously connected with the hub in front of the nacelle. A lightweight construction might also solve logistics problems. The project will also be examining other aspects such as fully enclosed or open generator design, reduced component numbers and the cooling system with regards to cost reductions and increased performance. Another focus of the project is the standardization of components and interfaces, as well as series production possibilities. The hub generator project has a total budget of € 1,55 million and will run until 31 December 2015.