The generation of energy using wind power plants has to be efficient, economically viable and reliable, even under tough conditions. At this year’s Husum WindEnergy trade fair, Siemens presented a new gearless wind generator capable of meeting these requirements while also offering a high degree of flexibility. The Direct Drive Wind is based on a modular technology platform, with the generator not manufactured as a single unit, but put together from preassembled segments. This enables versatile realisation of the most varied plant designs with a selection of different bearing concepts, voltage levels and cooling methods from a modular component range. Both internal and external rotor concepts are possible and outputs of up to 10 MW can be attained.
This modular approach also simplifies the assembly and logistics associated with the new generator, meaning that customised solutions can be installed in particular turbines from a range of individual segments, either during pre-assembly or directly at the installation location itself. Since the generator does not have to be transported as a whole, the logistic operations are simple. During the final assembly, individual segments are arranged side by side on the central bearing unit and then bolted to neighbouring segments until the ring is closed. Neither final assembly nor the transport of the mounted generator pairs are affected by magnetic forces.
In order to produce electricity from wind economically, generators must provide maximum energy yields as reliably as possible. The Direct Drive Wind generator, designed as a multi-pole, permanent magnet synchronous machine, is able to achieve high levels of efficiency. On the one hand, this is due to the integrated design, which obviates the need for a dedicated generator bearing and thus contributes to reducing losses generated by bearing frictions. On the other hand, the high level of efficiency results from the elimination of excitation and gear losses. The reduction of complexity and the lack of excitation equipment such as slip rings also facilitate excellent reliability with minimal maintenance requirements. This proves itself to be a considerable advantage, particularly with regard to the extensive repair logistics on offshore wind farms.
With the Norwegian wind turbine manufacturer Blaaster Wind Technologies, Siemens has both a pilot customer and a development partner with numerous years of experience in the wind energy market at its side. The first joint prototype of the Direct Drive Wind turbine from Blaaster, including the integrated fully segmented wind generator from Siemens Industry, has been installed in Valsneset, Norway.
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