Repeat orders for its wind-power generation components from key Norwegian and Chinese accounts position The Switch, with its cutting-edge permanent magnet generator and full-power converter package, for a strong 2009.
Vantaa, Finland April 6, 2009 – The Switch, a provider of megawatt-class permanent magnet generator (PMG) and full-power converter (FPC) packages for wind power and other new energy applications, has announced that it has signed repeat orders for its wind-power generation components from Norway-based ScanWind Group AS and from key Chinese customers. With these new multimillion-dollar contracts, The Switch is well positioned for a financially strong 2009.
ScanWind Group AS develops and supplies wind turbines and services for the coastal onshore and offshore market. The new agreement calls for The Switch to provide ScanWind with drive train packages that combine a direct-drive 4.25 MW PM generator with a FPC to be used in offshore wind turbine development efforts. The harsh winds off the Norwegian coastline provide excellent opportunities for wind-power generation, but place high demands on machine reliability. The Switch’s direct-drive, gearless PMG systems offer a strong track record in terms of system reliability, making them particularly suitable for extreme conditions. The Switch previously developed a 3.7 MW direct-drive, gearless PMG with a redundant, liquid-cooled FPC package for ScanWind. The generator and converter packages deployed in ScanWind’s wind farm in Hundhammerfjellet, Norway, have achieved exceptional operating availability – averaging 97 percent – in spite of turbulent conditions and high wind speeds.
“ScanWind builds wind turbines that are made to last, and The Switch has proven equipment that is tailored to operate in even the harshest Norwegian conditions,” says Inge Garshol, CEO of ScanWind.
“This agreement offers an exciting development possibility, because the hard-to-reach offshore wind farms require even more system reliability than near- and onshore farms. This cooperation enables us to strengthen our product leadership in large direct-drive machines,” says Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen, President and CEO of The Switch. “We already have a proven track record in delivering the world’s largest direct-drive trains, with our first commissioned in Norway in 2005. The latest agreement continues The Switch legacy of making the largest PMGs in the world.”
In Asia, repeat orders from customers in China call for nearly one gigawatt of additional production, more than doubling The Switch’s production capacity overall.
“We are currently delivering tens of converters per week,” says Reijo Takala, Vice President Wind, The Switch. “We have strengthened our position in China over the past few years to establish a good foothold in several growing wind markets around the world. This repeat order is proof that our chosen technology matches the demands of our customers.”
Meanwhile, Goldwind Science and Technology Co. Ltd., a prominent wind turbine manufacturer based in China and a customer since 2006, is looking to The Switch to help it maintain its position as a change agent for cutting-edge technology. Goldwind has taken a clear lead in developing clean wind energy in the country, and works with several world-renowned energy companies on new energy solutions. Goldwind chose The Switch three years ago to develop a prototype of The Switch FPC. In addition to building wind turbines, Goldwind provides consulting services in building and operating wind-generating plants, and builds and operates mid-sized wind-generating plants.
“We believe that The Switch represents ideal technology for wind power,” says Wu Gang, President of Goldwind and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association. “The people at The Switch have a great deal of expertise and they are able to implement projects quickly.”
The demand for advanced drive train technology from The Switch remains high despite current global economic conditions. For 2009, the company has an order backlog representing tens of millions of US dollars, including repeat business as well as orders from new OEM customers in Europe, North America, and Asia.
“Our offering of PMG and FPC packages is proving to be a winning solution in wind power development because of the significant increases it offers in energy yield. We are the technology leader in geared and direct-driven wind turbine drive train solutions, and the benefits of our permanent magnet applications have helped us become a leading supplier in the global market,” says Mäkinen.