Windpower Monthly: Gold for Goldwind… China takes away the main prize in the 3MW-plus class
January 3, 2018
BEST IN CLASS
Goldwind GW140/3MW
The Chinese manufacturer's low and ultra-low wind speed flagship comes with a large rotor diameter of 140 metres and flexible power rating of 3.0-3.4MW. The turbine is an evolution of the 2.5MW Vensys 90/100 series, introduced in 2007-08, and its 3MW successors. Goldwind is Vensys' main shareholder and technology licensee.
Technology features include an in-house outer-rotor PMG with integrated cooling system, a single rotor bearing and an ingenious patented "maintenance-free" pitch control system with toothed belt drive.
The original drivetrain design on the Vensys 90/100 was aimed at substantially reducing head mass (nacelle and rotor), and bringing that mass in line with its new geared multi-megawatt competitors. This was achieved through a series of technology measures including the use of a single rotor bearing and a relatively lightweight generator. Two 3.4MW prototypes are reportedly operating in China, and the company claims 1.6GW in orders.
Elsewhere, Goldwind’s GW115/2.0MW turbine also ranked in the top three of the onshore turbines up to 2.9MW category.