Enercon has completed the installation of its new E-160 EP5 turbine prototype in the Wieringermeer wind energy test field in the Netherlands.
The 4.6MW E-160 EP5 has the largest rotor diameter in the EP5 product portfolio and will be the company’s new top model.
At locations with wind speeds of 7.5 metres per second the year the turbine type can achieve energy yields of more than 19.6 gigawatt-hours a year and Enercon said it would be the “cornerstone” of its new product and marketing strategy.
The prototype E-160 EP5 in Wieringermeer has been installed on a modular steel tower with a hub height of 120 metres.
The E-160 EP5 will enable Enercon to target projects in export markets and the company is in negotiations with projects worldwide based on this new turbine, said Enercon.
Enercon’s EP5 platform also includes the E-147 EP5 for locations with medium wind speeds and the E-136 EP5 for locations with strong winds.
Enercon is also working on next generation models, including the E-160 EP5 E2, which will increase capacity to 5.5MW, achieving annual energy yield increases under the same site conditions to more than 21.5GWh, compared with the E160 EP5.
Enercon chief technology officer Jorg Scholle said: “We expect great demand, especially in those markets which are heavily cost-driven. The E2 prototype is scheduled for installation in late 2020.”