ENERCON is making significant progress toward the market launch of its new E-175 EP5 E2 wind turbine. The prototype team has achieved key milestones in the test campaign for the E2 generator at the company’s research and development site in Aurich. Meanwhile, logistics preparations are complete for delivering the main components to the prototype construction site.
Generator Successfully Tested Under Power
Last week, the E2 generator operated under power for the first time, marking a critical step in ENERCON’s development process. Renke de Buhr, Project Engineer in ENERCON’s generator team, highlighted the importance of the tests. “This test campaign is a crucial part of our prototype program and ensures we deliver ENERCON-quality products to our customers,” he said.
The E2 is an upgraded version of ENERCON’s flagship E-175 EP5 model. It features a newly designed generator with a rated output of 7.0 MW. The generator is designed to be split into sections, simplifying logistics and installation.
Extensive Testing Program Underway
The prototype generator was built at ENERCON’s Centre of Excellence Generator in Magdeburg. After installation on the test rig in Aurich, a comprehensive testing program began in late December. The tests include operating the generator at various power levels, analyzing sound characteristics, and evaluating grid behavior. The goal is to validate the generator-converter combination’s performance and grid compatibility.
Logistics Team Prepares for Component Delivery
ENERCON’s logistics team has also been busy preparing for the delivery of the E-175 EP5 E2 components. The main parts, including the new generator, are scheduled to arrive at the prototype construction site in Wachendorf, Lower Saxony, in February.
Jens Lammel, responsible for logistics technology, shared insights into recent preparations. “In December, we successfully transported the prototype generator from Magdeburg to Aurich. This was a practical test of our logistics concept, and everything went smoothly,” he said.
Innovative Generator Design Enhances Efficiency
The E2’s generator is a standout feature. Unlike previous ENERCON models, it uses an external rotor design, with the stator located inside and the rotor rotating around it. This increases the air gap diameter from 5.50 meters to 9.50 meters, enabling higher torque and output.
To simplify transport, the generator was designed to be divisible. Each half weighs no more than 62 tonnes and has a maximum width of 4.99 meters. This allows for efficient heavy transport without requiring police escorts. Additionally, the design enables assembly using standard 800-tonne cranes, eliminating the need for specialized equipment.
Prototype Construction Progresses
Foundation work at the prototype site is complete, and tower construction has begun. Christopher Schuirmann, Chief Engineer for the E2 at ENERCON R&D, praised the team’s efforts. “Everyone involved—R&D, production, logistics, and installation—is doing an exceptional job. We aim to have the first E-175 EP5 E2 ready by the end of the first quarter,” he said.
ENERCON’s progress on the E-175 EP5 E2 underscores its commitment to innovation and efficiency in wind turbine technology. The company is on track to deliver a high-performance product that meets the demands of the renewable energy market.
