Wind Energy

GE to Supply Technology to Boost the U.S. Fleet of Wind Turbines

GE’s WindBOOST control software makes it possible for GE 1.5sle wind turbines to increase output by up to 100 kilowatts, enhancing productivity from 1.5 to 1.6 megawatts (MW). Depending on wind speed and other site atmospheric conditions, the WindBOOST control automatically activates to increase the energy produced by each unit. Alternatively, WindBOOST can be turned on and off remotely, providing flexibility to ramp up power production.

WindBOOST enables a wind turbine to improve operation within the full IEC Type IIB design envelope. This expanded mode operation is expected to produce up to 4% more annual energy output per wind turbine. WindBOOST also provides “grid-friendly” features that balance increased output with grid integration requirements of a wind farm.

“Upgrading the GE wind turbines in our U.S. fleet gives us the opportunity for increased output with no significant hardware additions,” said Manny Sanchez, vice president, wind operations for NextEra Energy Resources. “Improving resources by increasing the productivity of our installed wind turbines is a significant benefit.”

“WindBOOST is part of a series of continuing GE technology advancements designed to help move the wind power industry forward,” said Vic Abate, vice president—renewable energy, GE Power & Water. “NextEra’s investment in the WindBOOST technology is an excellent example of how GE’s development of wind turbine upgrades can allow owners to improve performance and maximize revenue over the life of the turbine.”

WindBOOST is currently designed for both new and existing 60-hertz GE 1.5sle wind turbines, with plans to apply the technology to additional 1.5-MW models. GE is the largest U.S. supplier of wind turbines and the 1.5-MW machine is the workhorse of the company’s fleet, with more than 13,500 units now installed worldwide.

Based in Juno Beach, Fla., NextEra is a subsidiary of FPL Group. NextEra Energy Resources owns and operates various power generation facilities throughout the United States as well as Quebec and Nova Scotia in Canada.

* WindBOOST is a trademark of General Electric Company

GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that’s built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.

GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With 60,000 global employees and 2009 revenues of $37 billion, GE Energy is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies.

The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas—work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind power, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.

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