New 10-MW offshore wind generator prototype

A huge market volume in offshore wind turbines is expected over the next few years, but a significant cost reduction is required. The market is calling for more powerful and more reliable wind turbines capable of cutting the investment and operating costs of offshore wind farms. Yet the turbines in the 10-MW range based on conventional generators are of such a size and weight that they are unlikely to be economically viable.

A new generator has been developed with a 26 percent weight reduction over conventional magnet generators, which amounts to a reduction of up to €1 million in the cost of a 10-MW wind turbine. TECNALIA has patented th is generator concept in Europe and the United States.

European companies in the offshore wind energy sector including GAMESA, Siemens, GE and INGETEAM have expressed a high degree of interest in this development. The superconducting coils and the cooling system needed to produce the required low temperatures (-253 ºC) are the main challenges in developing these generators. To validate the concept, a smaller prototype was built.

Provided by Elhuyar Fundazioa