Suzlon’s S97 2.1 MW prototype turbine in Gujarat achieves 35 per cent PLF

The Suzlon Group has announced that its S97-HT DFIG 2.1 MW wind turbine with an all-steel hybrid tower has achieved a plant load factor (PLF) of 35 per cent since its launch in November 2014. The prototype was commissioned on June 9, 2014 at Nani Ber district of Kutch, Gujarat. The product has received an encouraging response from customers across segments. The S97-HT DFIG is the world’s tallest all-steel hybrid tower (120 metres in height) design, which combines both lattice and tubular structures. It has been designed indigenously to harness the enhanced availability of wind resources at higher altitudes, thus making low wind sites viable. The turbine increases the energy output by 12-15 per cent over other turbines of the same capacity at 90 metre height. The combination of lattice and tubular structures gives enhanced tower strength at lower cost. In addition, the three-dimensional lattice structure can support heavier weights due to the broad base and reduce the steel requirement, apart from being logistically friendly.