Turbines of the year - The best wind power hardware of 2013

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There was no let-up in technological progress during 2013. The wind industry's manufacturers are on the case, designing new products, testing prototypes and optimising existing machinery in the quest to generate more energy at lower cost. As the market matures, it grows ever more competitive. Manufacturers have to fight for their sales on several fronts — price and performance, reputation and reliability, monitoring and maintenance. Owners and developers often have plenty of choice about hardware, but cost of energy should be the leading principle.

This variety is well reflected in the products featured here, for the second instalment of Windpower Monthly's annual products of the year. We have largely followed last year's format and criteria to select our shortlists and announce the winners for 2013.

In short, that means each product's credentials were assessed for: overall product design quality; clever use of technology innovation; product-market impact and relevance; fitness for purpose; reliability record; grid connectivity; installation and upkeep.

There are six qualifying categories: three for turbines split by power rating size, plus two key components — drivetrains and rotor blades. And the final category is for technological innovations. To be considered for entry in the category, the wind turbines must have been available for commercial order in 2013, with a prototype up and running if it is a brand new design. For the component categories and the innovation, a prototype should be in existence.

We have not ignored the radical and revolutionary, but have also recognised that small-step evolutionary technology advancement has generally offered lower overall risk and therefore a more lasting impact on industry progress.

KEY TO TABLES

BDFIG brushless doubly-fed induction generator

DD direct drive

DFIG doubly-fed induction generator

HH hub height

HSG high-speed geared

IG induction generator

LSG low-speed geared

MSG medium-speed geared

SG (electrically excited) synchronous generator

PCVS pitch-controlled variable-speed

IEC class site ratings IIA, IIIB etc I-III is wind speed in descending order, A-C is turbulence intensity in descending order, S meets special conditions outside class requirements