Research and development of a 5 mw wind turbine (5 mw wind turbine)

Objective

Objectives and problems to be solved:
Several factors have stimulated the trend towards bigger and bigger wind turbines: economics of scale, scarcity of sites & off-shore locations and the learning curve of the technology. Using new technical concepts and new this project will establish the complete technical and economical platform for a later production of a 5 MW WT. All the research, development and engineering - including manufacturing, operation, testing and evaluation of prototype components - needed for the manufacturing of a complete prototype 5 MW WT. The project is as such a design project and does not encompass the actual production of a complete WT. Expected data for a 5 MW WT are hub height: 120m, rotor diameter: 120m, nominal output: 5 MW, mode of operation: variable speed, each blade with intelligent pitch control.
Description of work:
The work will focus on the following R&D issues:
· integrated drive train concept with a potential nacelle weight reduction of 25% relative compared to present 2 MW machines.
· light weight blades/rotor using composite materials and new (non-NACA) profiles;
expected relative weight reduction 15%.
· concept of direct conversion of output from a synchronous generator to HVDC.
· Integration in a 5 MW WT with variable speed and intelligent pitch control.
The work will be organised as outlined below:
WP1 Project management and coordination; integration of part-results to a common 5 MW machine platform.
WP2 New nacelle drawing the full benefits of planned weight and load reductions.
WP3 120 m rotor, light weight blades of composite materials with a new profile.
WP4 Power concept for direct conversion to HVDC of output of a synchronous generator operating at variable speed.
WP5 5 MW synchronous generator optimised for this power concept.
WP6 Integrated drive train concept (no main axle) with a potential weight reduction of 25% relative compared to state-of-art 2 MW machines.
Prototypes of components and sub-assemblies will be manufactured as needed, but no complete operational WT will be produced.
Expected results and exploitation plans: The main result of the project will be the reduction of the cost of kWh produced. This will be achieved by reduced extreme loads, by the reduction of nacelle weight to ±30 kg/kW, of rotor weight by 15% and edgewise loads by 20% and by an efficiency increase of 1-2 % due to the new profile. The new HVDC concept reduces power losses, removes the need for a low voltage converter and perhaps also for slip rings in the power circuit.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.4.-5. - Key action Cleaner Energy Systems, including Renewable Energies

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (2)