The new turbine is considered to be the largest and high efficiency turbine by the company till date. The large rotor diameter is claimed to increase annual energy production, while reducing the cost of generating electricity on consumers.
The new turbine is also claimed to work even in medium and low wind speed areas.
The 4.8MW wind turbine is GE’s debut in the 4MW onshore category. The rotor diameter is 158m and from tip to tip, the length of the blades is 240m.
As per the company, the new turbine is equipped with high tech blades, improved loads and controls, with towers that are taller and more cost effective. The new features for the turbine have been developed by a partnership consisting of LM Wind Power, Blade Dynamics and GE’s Global Research Center.
The 77m long carbon blades for this new turbine were built at its recently acquired LM Wind Power’s facility.
To keep manufacturing and logistical costs low, the company stated that the blades also feature one of the industry's smallest Bolt Circle Diameters.
GE's Onshore Wind Business president & CEO Pete McCabe said: "The 4.8–158 design is an important next step in turbine technology and efficiency, and we're excited to introduce this turbine at this moment in time.
"It is well suited for low to medium wind speed regions worldwide—examples include Germany, Turkey and Australia—as well as for mechanisms like auctions, as countries around the world are putting an increased emphasis on lowering the cost of energy."
Image: GE unveils new 4.8MW onshore wind turbine. Photo: Courtesy of General Electric.
