Siemens latest onshore wind turbine receives type certificate from DNV GL

The SWT-3.6-130 is the second wind turbine from the Onshore Direct Drive platform. It features larger yet lighter blades than previous wind turbines, giving a rotor diameter of 130 meters. Thanks to this and technical innovations and developments throughout the wind turbine, the SWT-3.6-130 will according to Siemens deliver 19% higher annual energy production in low winds than D3 Mk I wind turbines. It is available in heights of 85, 115 and 135 meters, ideal for almost all onshore locations.

As wind power becomes more mature and widespread, wind farm developers are facing the prospect that the sites with the best wind conditions have already been developed. They now have to investigate locations with less optimal wind conditions. To help them develop such sites cost-effectively, Siemens created its new onshore direct drive wind turbine platform that maximises yields in low- to medium- winds.

“Type certification of wind turbines is vital for securing financing of new wind farm projects. Hence, it is an important factor in time to market for new turbines. “We have a more than 20-year working relationship with DNV GL’s wind experts. Their technical expertise helps us raise our own quality level – and they were able to streamline the type certification procedure, allowing us to meet the deadlines for an 800 MW project opportunity,” said Jonas Stenzel, Head of Global Product & Technology Type Certification for Siemens Wind Power.

“We have been working with Siemens since their earliest days in wind power. We are very proud to support them in their continuous efforts to deliver more efficient wind turbines to move the industry forward. Through an efficient type certification process, we help Siemens demonstrate they can deliver compliant products on time and provide trusted, independent certification for a hassle-free market entrance,” said Christer Eriksson, Service Line Leader for Type Certification.

The certification process for the SWT-3.6-130 began with the certification of the prototype installed at Høvsøre, Denmark. The type certification included evaluation of the design supported by tests and measurements as well as inspections. Following the finalisation of the type certification process, the official certificate has been handed over to Siemens at the WindEnergy Hamburg exhibition on the 28th September 2016.