Siemens: Competence in All Phases of Wind Power

Secure development requires specialist knowledge, and no other wind turbine manufacturer can match the specialist knowledge of Siemens Wind Power. Based on more than 25 years of continuous presence in the wind energy industry, Siemens offer the best-skilled management and engineering staff and the designs of any new product combine the accumulated experience of all the previous turbines with the latest advances in the fields of aerodynamics, structural dynamics, noise reduction and grid performance. The result is a reputation for high quality, logical and solid design and creative details that was founded with the first 22-kW turbines of 1980 and has continuously been increased since then. A reputation that is well deserved by the MW range "workhorses" of today.

The most important resource of Siemens Wind Power is undoubtedly the more than 5,000 employees – their experience, technical know-how and enthusiasm. An experienced management team vouches for continuity and confidence. We offer a unique mix of experience and innovation, wisdom and vision. A mix that makes Siemens Wind Power a reliable supplier and a dependable partner.
SWT-3.6-107: 98 turbines
SWT-2.3-101: 1 turbine
SWT-2.3-93: 1,374 turbines
SWT-2.3-82: 633 turbines
SWT-1.3-62: 1,520 turbines
Total power: 8,813 MW
Total number of turbines: 7,793 turbines

The large-scale wind farms developed in recent years require significant project management know-how in order to be completed successfully. Siemens has extensive experience in this field and has, by the timely completion of hundreds of wind farms, including the challenging offshore wind farms, proven itself as a competent supplier of large, complicated projects.

The Siemens IntegralBlades® – a key technology unique in the industry

All blades used for the SWT-1.3-62 and onwards are fitted with Siemens blades manufactured with our patented IntegralBlade® technology. The blades are made of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin and their external design represents state-of-the-art wind turbine aerodynamics.

Invented by Siemens Wind Power, the IntegralBlade® technology manufactures wind turbine blades in one piece using a closed process. The glass fiber reinforcement is laid out to dry using a special molding arrangement with a closed outer mold and an expanding inner mold. After completion of the lamination of the glass fiber, the epoxy resin is injected under a vacuum. Following this injection, the blade is hardened at a high temperature while still enclosed in the mold. Once the blade is hardened, it is removed from the outer mold, and the inner mold is collapsed with a vacuum and pulled from the blade. The result is a complete, seamless blade finished in one process. A truly integrated success.

Compared with the traditional processes used by other blade manufacturers, the IntegralBlade® process has several advantages. The process is efficient in manpower and space, requiring only one mold set for the manufacturing cycle. Additionally, there are no issues relating to tolerances between shells and spars. The resulting blade is an integrated structure with no glued joints that act as weak points potentially exposing the structure to cracking, water ingress and lightning.

Since the IntegralBlade® manufacturing process is closed-in, the blade factory offers a clean and attractive work environment. The resins applied to the blade do not release VOCs and the risk of exposure to allergenic compounds is minimal.

Net Converter

Comply with all currently valid grid code requirements on relevant markets. Our proprietary NetConverter® power conversion system allows generator operation at variable speed, frequency and voltage while supplying power at constant frequency and voltage to the MV transformer.

The generator is connected to the MV transformer with NetConverter® power conversion system. This system provides maximum flexibility in the turbine response to voltage and frequency requirements, fault conditions, etc. and can be adapted to meet the requirements of relevant grid codes.

The power conversion system uses a number of modular water-cooled converter units in parallel mounting for easy maintenance.

Power Regulation

Limitation of the power output in high winds is necessary. Limitation of the power output in high winds is necessary on all wind turbines, otherwise the turbine will be overloaded.

Siemens offers two types of power limitation, stall regulation and pitch regulation. Both methods are based on the continuous adjustment of the pitch setting of the blades relative to the hub. Each blade has its own hydraulic actuator unit with position feedback, ensuring continuous stable operation.

CombiStall® regulation is used on constant-speed turbines (SWT-1.3-62 and SWT-2.3-82). In low and medium wind speeds, the blade pitch setting is slowly adjusted to provide maximum power output at any given wind speed. When the rated wind speed is reached, the blades are adjusted to a more negative pitch setting, tripping aerodynamic stall and thereby spilling excess power. At higher wind speeds, the pitch angle is adjusted continuously to maintain the maximum power specified.

The advantage of CombiStall® regulation is that it is very simple and efficient, working well with constant speed operation. The disadvantages are that the noise level and blade deflection in high wind are somewhat higher than with CombiPitch regulation. These disadvantages are of little importance for smaller turbines, but for very large turbines, they tend to outweigh the benefits of the robust constant-speed operation.

CombiPitch regulation is used on variable-speed turbines (SWT-2.3-82 VS, SWT-2.3-93 and SWT-3.6-107). In low and medium wind speeds the blade pitch setting is slowly adjusted to provide maximum power output at any given wind speed. When the rated wind speed is reached, the blades are adjusted to a more positive pitch setting, thereby reducing the aerodynamic forces and maintaining the power level programmed in to the turbine controller. At higher wind speeds, the pitch angle is adjusted continuously to maintain the maximum power specified.

The advantage of CombiPitch regulation is that it provides low aerodynamic noise and moderate blade deflections. Furthermore, even lower noise can be obtained by special operation. The disadvantage is that variable speed operation is required to provide the necessary flexibility in regulation. However, this disadvantage is of little importance for large turbines, where the benefits of CombiPitch regulation clearly outweigh the added complexity of variable speed operation.

Special Applications, Offshore

Siemens is the market leader on the offshore wind energy market with a track record of notable projects including Nysted Havmøllepark, Burbo Offshore Wind Farm and the world’s largest offshore wind farm under construction, Greater Gabbard. Siemens Wind Power pioneered the offshore installation of wind turbines with the world’s first offshore wind farm at Vindeby, Denmark, installed in 1991.

All Siemens offshore turbines share the following features:

Corrosion protection: All external turbine components are painted with offshore-grade painting systems that effectively minimize any corrosion caused by salty air and water. The nacelle and tower are fully enclosed, and climate control including dehumidifiers constantly maintain the internal humidity below the 60 percent corrosion threshold.

Cooling systems: Cooling is carried out with air-to-air heat exchangers. Ambient air is not circulated through the nacelle or tower but is limited to flow through the external part of the heat exchangers, and as a consequence, the internal climate can remain controlled.

Safety: The lightning protection system minimizes the risk of damage from lightning strikes that occur frequently in some locations offshore. The turbines are normally fitted with navigational lights and aerial warning lights meeting the relevant safety standards. Rescue equipment is provided at foundation level.

SWT-2.3-82 VS Wind Turbine

The SWT-2.3-82 VS wind turbine is a variable-speed version of the standard SWT-2.3-82 turbine, a preferred solution for utilities and other large developers. The VS version is particularly suited for locations with noise restrictions.

The rotor of the SWT-2.3-82 VS turbine is a three-blade cantilevered construction, mounted upwind of the tower. The power limitation is regulated by pitch regulation.

The blades are made of fiberglass reinforced epoxy resin and are manufactured by Siemens in a single operation, using our patented IntegralBlade® process. No glue joints between spars and shells, no weak points, no easy access for water or lightning. The aerodynamic design of the blades represents state-of-the-art wind turbine technology, and the blades have been thoroughly tested at Siemens’ test site under both static and dynamic loadings. The blades are mounted on pitch bearings and can be feathered 90 degrees for shutdown purposes. Each blade has its own independent fail-safe pitching mechanism capable of feathering the blade under any operating condition, and allowing fine-tuning to maximize power output.

The gearbox is a custom-built 3-stage planetary – helical design, mounted on the nacelle with flexible rubber bushings, thereby providing a compact high-performance construction and the lowest possible noise level. The gearbox is fitted with a fail-safe mechanical brake at the high-speed shaft.

The generator rotor construction and stator windings are specially designed for high efficiency at partial loads. The generator is fitted with a separate thermostat-controlled ventilation arrangement, and by ensuring a very efficient cooling, the generator can be operated at temperatures well below the normal level of the standard insulation class, thereby providing the best possible lifetime of the winding insulation.

The SWT-2.3-82 VS turbine is mounted on a tapered tubular steel tower. The tower has internal ascent and direct access to the yaw system and nacelle.

The turbine controller is a microprocessor-based industrial controller, similar to the type used in other Siemens wind turbines. The controller is complete with switchgear and protection devices. It is self-diagnosing and has a keyboard and display for easy readout of status and for adjustment of settings.

The wind turbine operates automatically, self-starting when the wind reaches an average speed of about 3–5 m/s. The output increases approximately linearly with the wind speed until the wind reaches 13–14 m/s. At that point, the power is regulated at rated power. If the average wind speed exceeds the maximum operational limit of 25 m/s, the turbine is shut down by feathering of the blades. When the wind drops back below the restart speed, the safety systems reset automatically.

The turbine has several redundant levels in the safety system, including an independent pitch system for each of the blades, and as a result, the turbine can shut down safely from any operational condition.

The turbine is equipped with the unique WebWPS SCADA system. The system offers long-distance control and a variety of status views and useful reports from a standard internet web browser.

The SWT-2.3-82 VS turbine is fitted with our proprietary NetConverter® system that is compliant with even very demanding grid codes. The NetConverter® system has ride-through capability for all normal faults.

SWT-2.3-93 Wind Turbine

The SWT-2.3-93 wind turbine is a variable-speed version of the standard SWT-2.3-82, a preferred solution for utilities and other large developers. The SWT-2.3-93 version has a larger rotor and provides superior economy at sites with moderate average wind speeds.

The rotor of the SWT-2.3-93 turbine is a three-blade cantilevered construction, mounted upwind of the tower. The power output is controlled by pitch regulation.

The blades are made of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin and are manufactured by Siemens in a single operation, using our patented IntegralBlade® process. No glue joints between spars and shells, no weak points, no easy access for water or lightning. The aerodynamic design of the blades represents state-of-the-art wind turbine technology, and the blades have been thoroughly tested at Siemens’ test site under both static and dynamic loadings. The blades are mounted on pitch bearings and can be feathered 80 degrees for shutdown purposes. Each blade has its own independent fail-safe pitching mechanism capable of feathering the blade under any operating condition, and allowing fine-tuning to maximize power output.

The gearbox is a custom-built three-stage planetary-helical design, mounted on the nacelle with flexible rubber bushings, thereby providing a compact high-performance construction and the lowest possible noise level. The gearbox is fitted with a fail-safe mechanical brake at the high-speed shaft.

The generator rotor construction and stator windings are specially designed for high efficiency at partial loads. The generator is fitted with a separate thermostat-controlled ventilation arrangement, and by ensuring a very efficient cooling, the generator can be operated at temperatures well below the normal level of the standard insulation class, thereby providing the best possible lifetime of the winding insulation.

The SWT-2.3-93 turbine is mounted on a tapered tubular steel tower. The tower has internal ascent and direct access to the yaw system and nacelle.

The turbine controller is a microprocessor-based industrial controller, similar to the type used in other Siemens wind turbines. The controller is complete with switchgear and protection devices. It is self-diagnosing and has a keyboard and display for easy readout of status and for adjustment of settings.

The wind turbine operates automatically, self-starting when the wind reaches an average speed of about 3–5 m/s. The output increases approximately linearly with the wind speed until the wind reaches 13–14 m/s. At that point, the power is regulated at rated power. If the average wind speed exceeds the maximum operational limit of 25 m/s, the turbine is shut down by feathering of the blades. When the wind drops back below the restart speed, the safety systems reset automatically.

The turbine has several redundant levels in the safety system, including an independent pitch system for each of the blades, and as a result, the turbine can shut down safely from any operational condition.

The turbine is equipped with the unique WebWPS SCADA system. The system offers long-distance control and a variety of status views and useful reports from a standard internet web browser.

The SWT-2.3-93 turbine is fitted with our proprietary NetConverter® system that is compliant with even very demanding grid codes. The NetConverter® system has ride-through capability for all normal faults.

SWT-3.6-107 Wind Turbine

The SWT-3.6-107 wind turbine is the most powerful model in the product range. It is suitable for offshore applications and for onshore wind farms.

The rotor of the SWT-3.6-107 turbine is a three-blade cantilevered construction, mounted upwind of the tower. The power output is controlled by pitch regulation. The rotor speed is variable in order to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency and the speed compliance during power regulation minimizes the dynamic loads on the transmission system.

The blades are made of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin and are manufactured by Siemens in a single operation, using our patented IntegralBlade® process. No glue joints between spars and shells, no weak points, no easy access for water or lightning. The aerodynamic design of the blades represents state-of-the-art wind turbine technology, and the blades have been thoroughly tested at Siemens’ test site under both static and dynamic loadings. The blades are mounted on pitch bearings and can be feathered 80 degrees for shutdown purposes. Each blade has its own independent fail-safe pitching mechanism capable of feathering the blade under any operating condition, and allowing fine-tuning to maximize power output.

The gearbox is a custom-built 3-stage planetary-helical design, mounted on the nacelle with flexible rubber bushings, thereby providing a compact high-performance construction and the lowest possible noise level. The gearbox is fitted with a fail-safe mechanical brake at the high-speed shaft.

The generator rotor construction and stator windings are specially designed for high efficiency at partial loads. The generator is fitted with a separate thermostat-controlled ventilation arrangement, and by ensuring a very efficient cooling, the generator can be operated at temperatures well below the normal level of the standard insulation class, thereby providing the best possible lifetime of the winding insulation.

The SWT-3.6-107 turbine is mounted on a tapered tubular steel tower. The tower has internal ascent and direct access to the yaw system and nacelle.

The turbine controller is a microprocessor-based industrial controller, similar to the type used in other Siemens wind turbines. The controller is complete with switchgear and protection devices. It is self-diagnosing and has a keyboard and display for easy readout of status and for adjustment of settings.

The wind turbine operates automatically, self-starting when the wind reaches an average speed of about 3–5 m/s. The output increases approximately linearly with the wind speed until the wind reaches 13–14 m/s. At that point, the power is regulated at rated power. If the average wind speed exceeds the maximum operational limit of 25 m/s, the turbine is shut down by feathering of the blades. When the wind drops back below the restart speed, the safety systems reset automatically.

The turbine has several redundant levels in the safety system, including an independent pitch system for each of the blades, and as a result, the turbine can shut down safely from any operational condition.

The turbine is equipped with the unique WebWPS SCADA system. The system offers long-distance control and a variety of status views and useful reports from a standard internet web browser.

The SWT-3.6-107 turbine is fitted with our proprietary NetConverter® system that is compliant with even very demanding grid codes. The NetConverter® system has ride-through capability for all normal faults.

SWT-2.3-101

Currently, the Siemens fleet of 2.3 MW wind turbines sets the industry standard for availability. The SWT-2.3-101 will build on the reputation for reliability that the market has come to expect from a Siemens turbine.

The Siemens SWT-2.3-101 turbine delivers unparalleled performance and reliability, making it especially suited to areas with low to medium wind speeds.

The best-in-class turbine offers low energy production costs, as availability of Siemens’ 2.3 product family is among the highest in the industry. The 101 meter rotor is specifically designed to optimize the energy returns in areas with limited wind speeds. The turbine is also ideal for all types of grid connections, as it offers the best support for grid connections in all major markets.

The SWT-2.3-101 is designed to last. The robust and reliable design offers a high yield with low maintenance costs. The turbine is backed by advanced condition monitoring and diagnostics, which constantly examine the turbine. Any change in a turbine’s performance is dealt with immediately by an experienced after-sales service team.

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