Wind Technology

Our technology partner Enercon, based in Germany, is the pioneer of the worlds leading direct drive, variable speed wind technology. This new generation of wind turbines have advantages over conventional wind technology.

Enercon wind turbines have three rotor blades, usually made of fibreglass, which rotate around a horizontal hub connected to a generator. They have no gearbox or drive train, making them much quieter than conventional gearbox turbines, because they don't produce the mechanical and tonal noise produced by high-speed drive components.

The variable speed mechanism on Enercon machines enables the turbine to optimise the energy extraction, increasing the reliability and efficiency of the turbine. Power is controlled automatically as the wind speed varies, with all moving parts on the machines rotating at the same speed of between 18 and 38 rpm depending on the prevailing wind conditions and turbine model. The turbines automatically stop at very high wind speeds to protect them from damage. Wind sensors are used to constantly monitor the wind direction and the tower head turns to line up with the wind.

We are the major UK wind farm developer using this type of turbine. You can experience this technology from the heart of the machine by climbing our unique Ecotricity wind turbine at the Ecotech Centre in Swaffham, Norfolk, which features a 65m high viewing platform. Click here for more info on how to book a turbine tour.

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