Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), the multinational that emerged from the merger between Siemens and Gamesa in early 2017, has presented its first joint wind turbine models. These two innovative turbines, one designed for installation on land and the other for use at sea, promise to mark a turning point in the global wind industry.
The two models announced are the SG 4.2-145, designed for land installations, and the SG 8.0-167 DD, focused on production in marine environments. Both wind turbines offer significant improvements in terms of energy efficiency and have been developed using advanced technologies, combining the best of both brands.
SG 4.2-145: Innovation for medium winds
The SG 4.2-145 It belongs to the new Siemens Gamesa 4.X platform and offers a nominal power of 4,2 MW with a rotor of 145 meters, which allows it to capture medium winds optimally. The manufacturer has highlighted that this turbine is capable of adapting to multiple locations, offering a 21% more annual energy production compared to previous versions of the company.
This wind turbine incorporates a three-stage multiplier and a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), both elements proven over the years with great success, thanks to the combined experience of both companies in installing more than 72,000 MW worldwide.
Another of its highlights is its flexibility, since its power can be adjusted between 4 and 4,4 MW according to the client's needs, and can also be configured with towers of different hub heights: 107,5; 127,5 and 157,5 meters. This allows for customization making it ideal for working in a wide variety of terrain and conditions.
In terms of design, the 71-metre blade stands out for its high thickness at the root, which helps to optimise mass at a minimum cost. In addition, it has been validated in wind tunnels and its chord reductions in the intermediate sections limit maximum loads. This optimised design also seeks to mitigate noise, keeping it at a minimum 106,9 dB at full load.
Implementation schedule
The first prototype of the SG 4.2-145 is expected to be installed in autumn 2018, and its type certification is expected to be ready by early 2019, when mass production is also expected to begin. With these advances, Siemens Gamesa seeks to consolidate its position as a leader in onshore turbine technology, focusing on efficiency and adaptability for different types of sites.
SG 8.0-167 DD: The Marine Revolution
The SG 8.0-167 DD presents itself as a true colossus of marine energy. With a power of 8 MW and a rotor of 167 meters in diameter, this turbine is designed to maximize energy production in offshore wind farms. Its blades, each measuring 82 meters, offer a sweeping area of XNUMX meters. Top% 18 to previous models, increasing annual production by a significant 20%.
One of the most outstanding features of this wind turbine is its technology direct drive or without a gearbox, which reduces the number of moving components and lowers maintenance costs. SGRE has worked with the Fraunhofer IWES institute in Bremerhaven (Germany) in the validation of this turbine, which has allowed its commercial availability to be accelerated.
The SG 8.0-167 DD wind turbine testing programme has been carried out on the state-of-the-art DyNaLab test bench and is expected to be ready for mass commercialisation by 2020.
A clear strategy for the future
Siemens Gamesa has made it clear that its strategy is to move towards a technological offering clearly differentiated by segments. For the ground segment, the company will focus on wind turbines with a gearbox, while for the marine segment will rely exclusively on direct drive technology. This decision will allow Siemens Gamesa to optimise its supply chains and offer more profitable products to its customers.
The success of these products reflects SGRE's hard work to establish itself as a key player in the transition to clean energy. In the words of Markus Tacke, CEO of Siemens Gamesa: “This strategy will allow us to focus our offering in the medium term, taking advantage of the economies of scale in our supply chain and offering greater added value to our customers.”
Future prospects: Projects and partnerships
One of Siemens Gamesa's great advantages is that it already has important alliances in the main wind energy markets globally. In Europe, SGRE continues to work on important projects such as Hornsea One y Hornsea Two in the United Kingdom, and has recently announced its participation in new parks in Denmark and Poland, which will allow it to produce more than 2,8 GW in these regions.
The company is also investigating new developments to further increase the power of its wind turbines. In the future, Siemens Gamesa is expected to develop turbines with capacities exceeding 10 MW, consolidating its leadership in the offshore sector.
In addition to recent technological advances, Siemens Gamesa continues to invest in New models of land-based wind turbines that can significantly improve their competitiveness in all market segments. With these advances, the company demonstrates its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The future of wind energy, both on land and at sea, seems to be in the hands of companies such as Siemens Gamesa, which are investing in increasingly advanced solutions, capable of generating more energy with less environmental impact and also reducing operating costs.
By developing ever more efficient technologies, Siemens Gamesa is securing its place in the future of wind energy. Key advances in terms of efficiency, cost reduction and flexibility are factors that distinguish this company as a leader in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.