Suzlon Group, India’s largest renewable energy solutions provider, has designed and manufactured the country’s longest wind-turbine blade at its Padubidri Rotor Blade Unit.

Thanks to new 63-m rotors, Suzlon’s S128 turbine series is expected to offer ~33% more swept area and deliver ~32% more energy generation compared to the S111 model.

The advanced blade (SB 63) measures 63 meters in length and has been specifically developed for Suzlon’s new S128 wind-turbine family. The blade has a rotor diameter of 128 meters, which is 1.5 times taller than the India Gate monument in terms of height.

Suzlon’s turbines have been setting industry benchmarks across the technology value chain by bringing global scale capability to India.

“It has been our continuous endeavor to reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCoE) by leveraging technology,” said J.P. Chalasani, Group CEO, Suzlon Group. “Our R&D efforts are focused on developing technologically advanced and innovative products. The new blade will offer higher aerodynamic performance and improved annual energy production (AEP) and will harness the optimal available wind resources.”

This blade has been engineered with a carbon girder, which provides the capability to use thinner aerodynamic profiles and provides higher lift with less drag to contribute to the turbine’s excellent performance at low wind sites. The blade also incorporates flat back technology at the root that minimizes drag and saves additional weight and cost.

The S128 series offers ~33% more swept area (12,860 m2) and is expected to deliver ~32% more energy generation compared to the S111. With an increase in the swept area Suzlon’s next-generation turbine is well equipped to improve energy yield and support competitive tariff environment in India while protecting customers return on investment.

“The SB 63 blade is the longest and most efficient aerodynamic blade Suzlon has ever produced,” said Duncan Koerbel, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Suzlon Energy. “We have introduced carbon fiber in the new generation of blades. This simultaneously reduces the weight of the blade and allows us to design even more aggressive airfoils. This creates a win-win solution for our turbine and our clients.”

These rotor blades will be transported using an innovative two fold transport system, which will use a specialized ‘Adapter Trailer’ for the first time in India, which ensures safe and unbound maneuverability through the hilly terrain, while transporting the long blades. This innovative approach will ensure a safe, cost effective and time efficient mode of transport for the 63 meters long rotor blade to the most remote areas.