In order to expand the global reach of its permanent magnet direct drive system for wind turbines (PM/DD), Northern Power Systems has entered into a partnership with WEG Equipamentos Elétricos S.A., one of the world largest electrical equipment manufacturers. The intention is to bring proven, next-generation wind turbine technology to the South American wind market and to that end the partnership with WEG will combine that company’s extensive production capabilities and market knowledge with Northern Power’s PM/DD technology and wind sector experience.
In order to cater for clients requiring turbines in a range of classes, WEG is offering a utility-scale technology platform that will include wind turbines of between 2.1MW and 2.3MW with rotors sized between 93 meters and 110 meters. The company has already secured initial orders and will be scaling its production operations throughout 2013 and 2014.
“We believe that Northern Power’s PM/DD technology offers a significant performance advantage to a vast array of customers in South America” said Mr. João Paulo Gualberto da Silva, WEG’s Head of Wind Energy Generation Business. “The South American wind market, particularly in Brazil, is growing at an incredible rate, and the initial market response to WEG’s turbine offerings has been very positive. Having a partner like Northern Power with proven technology capable of providing solutions for both current and evolving wind market demands, positions WEG to be a leader in this expanding space now and in the future.”
PM/DD is designed to deliver turbines which demonstrate higher availability and lower maintenance and repair costs than traditional gear-based turbines. This in turn helps to provide higher energy production over a turbine’s lifetime and providing enhanced economic returns to owners. The WEG turbines will initially be manufactured at the company’s facilities in Jaragua do Sul in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
“WEG has tremendous capabilities to supply all aspects of wind power plants integrated with a strong understanding of the needs of the South American wind market, and Northern Power has the experience and technology necessary to provide the right solutions for this market” said Troy C. Patton, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Power Systems. “We look forward to powering WEG’s capabilities through our technology offerings.”
Northern Power Systems licenses and develops wind turbine technology all over the world, providing engineering and development services for a wide variety of energy applications including micro-grids, power conversion systems and wind and marine turbine solutions. The company’s PM/DD system is based on a vastly simplified architecture that utilizes a combination of a permanent magnet generator and a direct-drive design. According to the company, this method uses fewer moving parts, delivers higher energy capture and provides increased reliability.
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