The new SG 8.0-167 offshore wind turbine variant for the emerging U.S. offshore wind market is tailored for U.S. market conditions. Based on the proven Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) Offshore Direct Drive wind turbine platform, the variant meets the full range of technical conditions present in waters along the U.S. coasts and in the Great Lakes. In tailoring the machine to meet U.S. federal codes and standards, SGRE offers established technology capable of accommodating hurricanes, seismic activities, 60 Hertz operation, as well as operation in high and low ambient temperatures. The design of the SG 8.0-167 wind turbine will be ready in 2020, with installation possible by 2021.
“Contributing to the rapid development of the U.S. offshore wind power market is of great significance to us. The new SG 8.0-167 variant enables us to supply our customers with an offshore wind turbine based on years of documented performance. Adapting it to fit the unique conditions found along the U.S. East and West Coasts, and the Great Lakes, is a strategic step forward that we believe will position the U.S. industry for success,” states Andreas Nauen, CEO of the Offshore Business Unit of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
The SG 8.0-167 wind turbine has a rated capacity of 8.0 megawatts (MW), 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. This turbine is suitable for use with floating foundations for deep water environments. By 2020, more than 1,000 SGRE Direct Drive offshore wind turbines will be installed globally.
Accommodates U.S. conditions: hurricanes, seismic activity, 60 Hz operation
The SG 8.0-167 wind turbine variant is designed for IEC Hurricane Class (T-Class) type certification by 2020, where the product will be certified as able to handle extreme wind speeds in hurricane conditions. SGRE is working closely with U.S. authorities and certifying bodies to ensure that all applicable conditions are considered.
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 SG 8.0-167 wind turbine variant will have the ability to operate in both high and low ambient temperatures, thus reducing thermal limitations, and allowing for increased annual energy production while preserving turbine lifetime.
“Siemens Gamesa has a strong history in the U.S. onshore market. With an experienced employee presence throughout our Onshore and Service organizations in the U.S., and by leveraging our global market leadership in offshore wind, we are uniquely positioned to meet the demands of the rapidly growing U.S. offshore market,“ says Steve Dayney, Siemens Gamesa’s Head of U.S. Offshore Sales and Projects.
