Suzlon's Gujarat wind mill achieves 35% plant load factor

Wind turbine maker, the Suzlon group on Monday said its S97-HT DFIG 2.1-MW wind turbine has achieved a 35% Plant Load Factor (PLF) over the last 12 months since its launch in November 2014.

The prototype was commissioned on June 9, 2014, at Nani Ber district of Kutch, Gujarat, the company said in a release.

The wind turbine has received an "encouraging response" from customers across segments and reflects in the 350 MW of orders received, the release said. 

"By offering a product that can optimise and harness wind resources at higher altitudes, Suzlon has proved that even low-wind sites can be made attractive. Consistently achieving and maintaining 35% PLF will help in reducing the levelised cost of energy," said Suzlon Group Chairman Tulsi Tanti in the statement.

The S97-HT DFIG is the world's tallest All-Steel Hybrid Tower -- with a height of 120 metres -- the design of which combines both lattice and tubular structures designed indigenously to harness the enhanced availability of wind resources at higher altitudes, making low wind sites viable.

It increases energy output by 12-15% over other turbines of same capacity at a height of 90 metres. The combination of lattice and tubular gives enhanced tower strength at a lower cost.

The three-dimensional lattice structure can support heavier weights due to the broad base and reduces the steel requirement, apart from being logistic-friendly.