Senvion to install new 3.4MW prototype

GERMANY: Senvion will install a prototype of its new 3.4M140 low-wind turbine in Janneby, northern Germany.

by David Weston 27 May 2016

Senvion will use 68-metre blades on the 3.4MW turbine

The 3.4MW turbine, with a 140-metre rotor, is set to be installed by summer 2017, with commercial production expected by the end of that year.

Senvion's prototype will be installed with a "sound-optimised blade profile and new pitch-control system", the manufacturer said.

The new turbine was launched in September 2015 at the Husum Wind event in Germany.

It was released along with three other low-wind turbines in the 3MW range: Vestas introduced its V136-3.45MW turbine, an upgrade to the V126 model; Nordex added a larger capacity version of its N131 low-wind model; and GE launched its low- to medium-wind 3.2MW turbine with a 130-metre rotor specifically designed for the German market.

Senvion unveiled an adapted 60Hz version of the turbine for the US market at AWEA's “uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç 2016 this week.

Senvion will use 68-metre blades on the turbine, which the manufacturer said could help produce a 20% higher yield than its 3MW, 122-metre rotor machine. The machine is available at two hub heights of 110- and 130-metres.

The new turbine will also be fitted with Senvion's 'Next Electrical System' (NES) to help stabilise supply to the grid.