The 4.1-113 blades are optimized to maximize energy capture at sites suitable for monopile applications. Based on five years of operating history of the installed fleet of GE 3.5-MW turbines, the company says the platform is well proven.
GE says its 4.1-113 offshore wind turbine, nicknamed “Big Glenn” and located in Sweden’s Gothenburg harbor, passed its initial trial run. Beginning February 29, the trial lasted 200 hours. GE’s first direct-drive offshore wind turbine passed this reliability run on its first attempt with 99.05% availability. Wind speed varied during the trial run from zero to rated wind, resulting in a capacity factor of 35.3%.
“The variation in wind speed gives the team confidence that the turbine performs reliably under all wind conditions,” says Vincent Schellings, offshore product manager for GE Energy. “Now we will begin validating the design and obtain initial results before summer. Our initial focus will be on the power curve and loads validation as evidence that our simulations meet the measurements of the two performance characteristics that matter most to owners.”
GE’s 4.1-113 is intended specifically for the offshore environment, with reliability and availability as the primary design drivers. With fewer moving parts, direct-drive technology provides a simple, reliable design with built-in redundancy and partial operation for major components, all focused on keeping turbines operating reliably at sea. The direct-drive technology eliminates costly gearbox parts and lowers operating expenses.
GE Energy
www.ge-energy.com
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