Nordex launches large rotor turbine with 28.6% more power

The new N131/3000 turbine, part of Nordex's 'Generation Delta' platform, enhances the nominal output of power by 25% to generate 3.0 MW at locations with wind speeds of less than 7.5 m/s.

The N131/3000 turbine has a tubular steel tower with a hub height of 99 and 114 metres. Its special feature is the substantially larger rotor. With rotor blades measuring 64.4 metres in length, the rotor diameter is 14 metres larger, thus producing a close to 26% increase in rotor sweep. This sweep plays a key role for energy yield.

Anne Henschel, MD of Nordex Energy South Africa, said: "This turbine is a highly efficient system specifically designed for low-wind conditions, categorised as IEC-3 locations. South Africa has identified several IEC-3 locations where wind power could only be harvested with this kind of turbine, which opens exciting new prospects. With the N131/3000 Nordex will achieve substantially improved project economics compared with existing turbines particularly at light-wind locations. This model will also enable greater product choice among South African customers in the strong and moderate-wind turbine market."

Moderate-wind turbine

In 2013, Nordex launched the Delta platform with a moderate-wind turbine N117/3000 and the strong-wind version N100/3300.

The N131/3000 combines the advantages of the high-efficiency and low sound power levels of the 'Generation Gamma's' N117/2400 turbine with the benefits of a high nominal output and the technical advances of the 'Generation Delta' platform.

Globally, Nordex is targeting the N131/3000 at markets in Central Europe, Scandinavia, Turkey as well as selected regions in Africa and the Americas. The South Africa launch is the first in the African market.

The first three 'Generation Delta' turbines are already in operation in Germany and Denmark. In Finland, two further cold-climate turbines were recently installed.

The first light-wind N131/3000 turbine is in the process of being installed still this year. Series production of the N131/3000 turbine is scheduled for 2015.