GE has introduced its 4.1-113 wind turbine, a four-megawatt class machine that is optimised for offshore use and is designed to bring a new level of reliability to the offshore wind industry. GE has signed a contract to supply a 4.1-113 wind turbine along with associated services to Goteborg Energi for installation in the Gothenburg harbour, Sweden in the second half of 2011. The project is supported by the Swedish Energy Agency through its technology programme, demonstrating its interest in leading offshore technology.
With fewer moving parts, the 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, lowering operating expenses, and also relies on an innovative modular approach to maximize in-situ repair and reduce the need for large repair vessels. The 4.1-113 blade design is optimized to maximize energy capture.
“Our 4.1-113 wind turbine represents our most advanced technology. It is the only direct-drive wind turbine designed specifically for offshore today,” says Victor Abate, vice president-renewable energy for GE Power & Water.
The 4.1-113 design builds on the evolution of the 3.5MW direct-drive design, the industry’s most proven offshore direct-drive turbine, and benefits from GE’s experience of over 16,000 units installed onshore. The base design has been operating since 2005 on a coastal site in Norway in a harsh environment with high wind speed and high turbulence.
The project in Gothenburg harbour is part of GE’s offshore footprint European strategy, representing a Eur340 million investment in its offshore business.