ABB said its permanent-magnet and doubly-fed generators use the same high-speed drivetrain. This means upgrading to the full converter does not involve major re-engineering work for manufacturers that are already constructing doubly-fed turbines.
Raimo Sakki, ABB product manager for wind power generators, said: "We've standardised the basic structure across our whole high-speed permanent magnet range. This enables us to use cost-effective serial manufacturing and ensures short delivery times."
The manufacturer claims that the turbine will deliver efficiency of more than 98% at its rated speed and more than 97% at 20% load.
The new generator will be officially launched at the European Wind Energy Offshore Offshore event in Frankfurt on 19-21 November.
