GE to provide WindCONTROL to First Wind projects in Maine

Andy-Holt

Greentech Lead America: GE, in partnership with First Wind, is installing WindCONTROL advanced software to support two wind projects in Maine.

Andy Holt, GM, wind services for GE’s renewable energy business

The project features 95 GE wind turbines. WindCONTROL technology will regulate curtailment by monitoring and controlling the wind turbines’ ramp rates, effectively easing power spikes and putting less strain on the turbine compared to constant starts and stops.

The technology allows turbine owners to earn back power that may have been lost due to inefficient controls for meeting curtailment. The software automatically controls the output of each wind turbine in the wind farm, versus an approach that depends on starting and stopping units to meet a power demand. By avoiding the continual stop and start of the turbines for power regulation, GE’s WindCONTROL eases the stresses on the wind turbines and helps to extend the life of turbine components.

“The effect of curtailment on wind turbines has been an area of concern for us. The application of GE’s WindCONTROL technology to our wind turbines in Maine will help the units maximize energy capture while mitigating the strain on our units as we regulate power production,” said First Wind’s vice president of Operations EJ Martin.

GE has signed an eight-year service agreement to support First Wind’s entire fleet of 264 GE wind turbines at eight sites across the United States.

“GE’s comprehensive offering of wind service solutions is a testament to our commitment to help our renewable energy customers increase power production and revenues from their installed equipment. We have a long-standing history with First Wind, and the addition of WindCONTROL software to its existing service agreement will further benefit the fleet,” said Andy Holt, general manager of wind services for GE’s renewable energy business.

Recently GE also signed a contract with Renova Energia for 230 wind turbines. The deal is worth $394 million. All 230 turbines have a10-year operating contract, which will be managed from GE’s services center.

[email protected]