Enercon is developing two new types of converter for its 3 megawatt platform (EP3). E-126 EP3 and E-138 EP3 are designed for sites with moderate and low winds respectively. The two new converters will benefit from optimised processes for production, transport and logistics, and installation.
The greater efficiency will come mainly from an increase in swept area and in nominal power. The E-126 EP3 will have a rotor diameter of 127 metres and a nominal power of 3.5 MW, and is being designed for sites with moderate wind conditions in Class IIA (IEC). The E-138 EP3 will also have a nominal power of 3.5 MW, but with a rotor diameter of 138 metres it is intended for use at low-wind sites in Class IIIA (IEC). The E-126 EP3 and E-138 EP3 will be available with a choice of hybrid or tubular steel towers with hub heights of between 81 and 160 metres. Installation of the E-126 EP3 prototype is scheduled for as early as the third quarter of 2018; it will enter series production later that year. Enercon plans to erect the E-138 EP3 prototype in the fourth quarter of 2018, then introduce a few pre-series machines in 2019 before full production begins towards the end of 2019.
