France: Last Testing Phase for Alstom’s 6MW Wind Turbine Generator

Alstom’s new-generation Haliade 150 offshore wind turbine is performing the official type testing phase at the site of Le Carnet, in the Pays de Loire region (France). This follows the successful completion of the 6MW commissioning of the turbine. Two main efficiency criteria remain to be measured in the coming months: Power Performance and Power Quality Certification.

The successful development of the Haliade has enabled EDF EN-led consortium, the exclusive supplier of which is Alstom, to win 3 projects in a recent tender launched by the French government. The Group will install a total of approximately 240 offshore wind turbines generating 1.4 GW of wind power off the coast of France.

The commissioning phase, a key milestone in the certification process, included a test of all Haliade 150 systems at full 6 MW nominal power. The results obtained are in accordance with the relevant calculation models and design specifications of the Haliade 150 wind turbine.

Onshore tests will continue at Le Carnet site, with the official type testing campaign providing extensive data collection to verify that the power curve and power quality characteristics meet IEC wind industry standards.

“We are enthusiastic following the initial tests of our new Haliade 150 wind turbine,” stated Alstom Wind Offshore VP Frederic Hendrick, “we are particularly satisfied with the excellent Pure Torque results of the generator’s air gap[1] stability, which confirms our decision to develop a turbine with no gearbox”.

In addition to the onshore unit, a second turbine will be installed during the first half of 2013 at the offshore Belwind wind farm which is located near Ostend 45 km off the Belgian coast. The offshore tests will target specific marine operations and procedures and will complete the technical and product performance.

The Haliade 150 meets the stringent constraints imposed by a maritime environment. Simple, robust and efficient, this 6MW wind turbine will be able to generate enough power per unit to supply 5,000 households.

[mappress]

Press release, December 11, 2012; Image: alstom