Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
wind turbine companies enjoyed a great benefit. They could rely on
proven components that were easier to get and did not have to risk
the development of own components—at least of most important
and sensible components like blades or gearboxes.
The 1990s also saw Germans doing business in foreign countries.
Export became a valuable factor. German wind turbines spread
to neighbouring countries in Europe or to the Asian area. Selling
complete licences became a common practice, too.
Around the millenium, Germany aspired to a leading country
for wind energy. More than 7 500 units were installed around 1999
with an installed capacity of roughly 4 400 MW.
18.3.2
New Manufactures
In the following part newer companies from the 1990s are briefly
described. In contrast to the 1980s, a supply chain of reliable and
proven components existed that newer companies could make
use of. The other side of the coin was a rapid development and the
demand for bigger turbines. Lack of capital and know-how and the
big advance established firms enjoyed, resulted in many companies
going bankrupt.
DeWind: 1995-2012
DeWind was founded in 1995 by a couple of former Ventis
employees. A first 500 kW machine was set up in 1996. This
machine, called D4, was then up-scaled to 600 kW and became
a huge success. Two years later, a 1 MW machine (D6) with a
62 m rotor diameter was presented to the market but soon was
succeeded by an up-scaled version with a rated power of 1.25 MW.
Like the D4 machine, the D6 sold hundreds of times. In 2002,
DeWind installed a prototype of its new D8, a 2 MW turbine,
designed by the famous car manufacturer Porsche. In 2006,
DeWind started selling wind turbines with various frequencies.
Hence, a 50 Hz and a 60 Hz version were ofered and new markets
could be entered. A new 2 MW turbine, D9, was presented in 2011.
This machine has still a rated power of 2 MW but uses a 93 m
rotor. Thus, it makes operator's benefit with a considerably higher
yield. A 3 MW turbine is under development and supposed to be
installed in 2012.
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