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Even in Low-Wind Areas, Northern Power's New Turbines Are 'Blowhards'
Green Technology Featured Articles
May 06, 2013

Even in Low-Wind Areas, Northern Power's New Turbines Are 'Blowhards'

By Cheryl Kaften
TMCnet Contributor

Wind turbine manufacturer Northern Power is offering two new models designed specifically to capture more energy at sites where wind speed is relatively low.

Both the NPS 60-23 and the NPS 100-24 produce 15 percent more power than the average turbine, according to the Barre, Vermont-based company — even in less-than-blustery weather. They also have been designed to work quietly, which offers more siting opportunities for the owner.


The NPS 100-24 is based on the Northern Power’s proven NPS 100-21 turbine; which was originally designed to service remote areas such as Alaska, where regular maintenance is not an option. The company describes the NPS 100 as a highly reliable turbine that utilizes permanent magnet direct-drive technology and has fewer moving parts than a conventional gear-box based wind turbine. The larger rotor diameter, lower rpm and tip speed of the NPS 100-24 and 60-23 makes for quieter operation, while the longer blades capture more energy at lower wind speeds. The NPS 60 model generates 59.9 kilowatt (kW) rated power and is used in areas where grid connection capacity is a constraint.

The company has successfully deployed more than 20 of these turbines in the United States, United Kingdom and Italy during 2012 and 2013, demonstrating the success of the design. The NPS Low Wind turbine fleet has surpassed 50,000 operational hours with availability in excess of 97 percent, and has generated more than 1,500 megawatt hours (MWh) of clean, renewable energy — enough to power more than 150 U.S. (or 450 U.K.) homes for an entire year. 

"NPS is committed to delivering enhanced offerings that lower costs and increase performance for turbine owners. We are increasing the value proposition of our already highly-capable NPS turbines through an integrated road map of expanded product and services offerings, of which our proven low wind enhancements are just one example," stated Troy Patton (News - Alert), president and CEO, Northern Power Systems.

Scottish farmer Mervyn Wallace recently installed an NPS 60 at his farm — his second Northern Power Systems wind turbine. "I'm excited that Northern Power came out with a new turbine that is designed specifically for lower wind speeds. I am very pleased with the revenue that both of my Northern Power turbines are now earning for me. NPS turbines are an excellent return on capital invested."

With over 2.5 million run time hours across its fleet, Northern Power turbines provide customers with clean, cost effective renewable energy. The quiet, low profile turbines with multiple tower and rotor options fit well in remote locations as well as in agricultural and industrial areas.




Edited by Ashley Caputo


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