Wind turbines have been growing in size for years.
Rotor sizes are increasing through growth in both rotor diameters and lengths of the blades and output power ratings of these turbines have continued to grow.
Now manufacturers are taking a different approach, and that’s vertical growth: height.
Developers have ordered a new version of the Nordex N175/6.X turbine. The hub of this turbine will sit 199 meters (652 feet) in the air.
It was the first order for this hub-height configuration, and it includes installation of three turbines with an individual rating of 7 MW.
Installation will occur at the 21MW Marienmünster-Altenbergen wind farm. Once completed, commissioning of the project is expected during the summer of 2027.
Electricity can still be generated when lower winds weaken
These machines will be the tallest series-produced turbines installed by the company.
Many believe wind conditions remain relatively constant from ground level to high levels. That’s incorrect.
The Earth’s atmosphere doesn’t work that way.
Turbines placed near ground level commonly encounter obstacles such as hills, trees, buildings, and more.
Higher elevations typically see stronger and more steady flow.
The new turbines were designed to utilize this difference.
At 199 meters (652 feet) or so and with tip heights of over 286 meters (938 feet), they can tap into wind conditions that shorter turbines cannot.
It is particularly important in times of weak wind. The additional hub height allows the turbines to begin generating power earlier during weaker wind conditions.
As a result, electricity generation can occur more consistently even during low-wind conditions.
Greater height could improve when electricity is sold
In addition to improving availability during weaker wind periods, this could help wind farm operators.
It could change when that electricity is generated.
Renewable generation affects electricity prices based on supply and demand. When renewable generation decreases, electricity becomes more valuable.
Low-wind conditions can significantly reduce renewable generation.
If these turbines continue producing electricity during those periods, their operators could realize better financial returns.
Low-wind periods in Germany are often associated with higher electricity prices.
Turbines capable of working well under those conditions will likely provide greater economic benefits.
More generation across a wider range of conditions
Nordex says the taller design is also intended to support a more consistent renewable energy supply.
Instead of just generating power during optimal wind conditions, the turbine was designed to capture energy across a wider array of operating conditions.
This goal explains why developers continually search for methods to increase the placement of turbine rotors higher off the ground.
This isn’t simply about developing bigger turbines. It’s about accessing wind resources that a large portion of the industry cannot access nearly as efficiently.
Reaching higher winds requires a different type of tower
Reaching almost 200 meters tall requires something far more than standard construction of a tower.
The turbines will utilize a hybrid tower system provided by Nordex Group.
A portion of the base of the tower will be made of concrete, while a steel structure will make up the remainder.
The hybrid tower method has already been utilized in numerous installations throughout the world.
Previous projects have utilized hybrid towers with hub heights ranging from 168 meters to 179 meters.
Moving to a hub height of 199 meters is merely the next evolutionary step in development.
The turbine itself has a rotor diameter of 175 meters with a swept area of approximately 24,000 square meters.
However, there is potential for a much larger implication. Developers continue finding value at greater elevations, and turbine designs are becoming more focused toward realizing that fact.
For this project in Germany, their ultimate goal is not to install one of the tallest onshore wind turbines currently operational. The taller design allows the turbines to access steadier wind flows that shorter turbines cannot reach as effectively.
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