Siemens Gamesa Tweaks 8MW Turbine for Asia-Pacific Markets

Siemens Gamesa has modified its new SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbine to address conditions across the Asia-Pacific region.

The variant ensures that the turbine model is tailored to meet local codes and standards regarding typhoons, seismic activities, 60 Hertz operation, as well as operation in high and low ambient temperatures. The design will be ready in 2019, with installation possible by 2020 for Taiwan.

Apart from Taiwan, the design will also accommodate local codes and standards in other Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets such as Japan. These include IEC Typhoon Class (T-Class) type certification by 2020, where the product will be certified as able to handle elevated extreme wind speeds in typhoon conditions.

Electrical systems and components will be adapted to 60Hz operation; grid models will be updated to reflect this 60Hz operation and local grid codes. Furthermore, the ability to operate in both high and low ambient temperatures reduces thermal limitation, thus increasing annual energy production while preserving turbine lifetime, Siemens Gamesa said.

“Serving the growing Taiwanese offshore wind power market with our new product allows us to provide our customers with a cost-efficient, reliable, and powerful wind turbine which can withstand the challenging local conditions. The market-specific variant of the SG 8.0-167 DD demonstrates our commitment to moving the market forward on a technological front already from 2019,” said Andreas Nauen, CEO of the Offshore Business Unit of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.

The SG 8.0-167 DD wind turbine has a rated capacity of 8MW and a rotor with a 167-meter diameter. It has a swept area of 21,900 m2 and utilizes the SGRE B81 blades, each measuring 81.4 meters.

“We see promising developments ahead for the offshore wind industry in APAC as a whole. With Taiwan as an important regional base and the introduction of the market-specific variant of the SG 8.0-167 DD, we’re able to meet customer needs in markets as they develop,” said Niels Steenberg, Executive General Manager of Siemens Gamesa Offshore for Asia-Pacific.