A growing number of onshore wind farms in Germany and throughout Europe are being sited in regions with moderate to low wind speeds.
Siemens Energy is responding to this trend with its new Model SWT-3.3-130 wind turbine. Delivering 3.3MW of electric power, this wind power unit extracts the maximum energy yield from low to moderate wind velocities. With its rotor measuring 130 meters in diameter, this turbine will be available in early 2017. The direct-drive PMG generator operates with stronger permanent magnets to further enhance output. The designs of the nacelle bedplate, yaw drive and other components important to unit statics have been strengthened to accommodate the new 130-meter-long rotor. While new servo-motors ensure precise rotation of the nacelle even at high wind pressures, particularly strong hydraulic cylinders in the newly designed rotor hub enable exact adjustment of rotor blade angle. The SWT-3.3-130 uses B63 blades measuring 63 meters in length. These aeroelastically tailored blades limit the static loading of the nacelle and tower, particularly under turbulent wind conditions, as the blade ends act to cushion and absorb high wind pressure. Further innovations featured in the SWT-3.3-130 include a newly designed cooling system that has now been integrated into the nacelle.