Enercon has completed the installation of a prototype turbine from its EP3 platform at a test site in Leuze, in Belgium.
The E-115 EP3 E3 turbine model is hosted on a tubular steel tower at a hub height of 92 metres.
The design, architecture as well as various components used in the E-115 EP3 E3 are based upon those of the E-138 EP3.
Enercon R&D team project manager Klaas Kinzner said: “The rotor blades, generator and towers have been cost-optimised and are specific to the E-115 EP3 E3 design.
“Thanks to cooperation within the experienced interdisciplinary development team, the prototype could be installed quickly and easily.”
Commissioning of the prototype is planned for September.
Initial field tests will then provide information for the start of series production.
The E-115 EP3 E3 will be available with a nominal output of 2.99MW and 4.2MW and hub heights of between 67 and 149 metres.
Enercon has developed a variant of the system that takes into account wind conditions in typhoon regions and wind speeds of up to 89 metres per second.
The turbine features system controls adapted for challenging weather conditions that closely monitors equipment in relation to electrical network failures, which can occur during typhoon cyclones, said Enercon engineer Jan Carsten Ziems, who worked on the turbine.