Utility your BottoM LINE

Your Bottom Line

Higher energy capture. Lower maintenance. These are the key ingredients that Northern’s next-generation technology deliver to your bottom line. So you can count on an excellent ROI, and even open up new site possibilities for your next development. The Northwind 2.2 can deliver:

• 5%-15% higher efficiency
• 50%-60% less O&M
• 15%+ better wind farm ROI unlocks lower wind speed (Class 3) sites

How our technology gives you more energy:
The slow speed, permanent magnet generator offers superior efficiency at partial power operation compared to typical doubly-fed generators found in wind turbine applications. The FlexPhase power converter is also designed for increased efficiency over a wide power output range, and is carefully matched and optimized to the generator characteristics. 

How the Northwind 2.2 offers lower O&M costs:
Elimination of the gearbox in the direct drive Northwind 2.2 design avoids a major source of maintenance and replacement expense associated with today’s typical wind turbines. The Northwind 2.2 design eliminates the many bearings and gear contact areas in the load path of a geared turbine. The Northwind 2.2 is also equipped with an onboard service crane, and is designed for easy serviceability of major subsystems without the need for a mobile crane.

"Over 80% of the profit warnings in the wind turbine manufacturing industry have come from gearbox issues, primarily malfunctioning bearings but also unforeseen issues with various gearbox designs."

– Merrill Lynch Wind Industry Overview,
Here Comes Pricing Power, August 2007