German wind turbine manufacturer Enercon has introduced new operating modes for its E-175 EP5 E1 model that could increase annual energy production by up to 5%, depending on site conditions, the company said on Monday.
The enhancements, which are available for both new and existing turbines, are the result of prototype testing and form part of Enercon’s broader product lifecycle optimisation strategy.
“We continuously work to improve the performance and yield characteristics of our products,” said Moritz Rodenhausen, Head of Product Management at Enercon. “With our dynamic performance upgrades, we ensure optimal turbine operation throughout its entire lifecycle and offer our customers significant added value in all operational phases.”
The upgrades include a noise-reduced mode capable of delivering around 5% more output, and refinements to the yield-optimised mode. According to the company, the latter reduces sound power levels by 1 decibel while enabling an increase in power output to 6.3 megawatts (MW).
“If there are no grid-related restrictions, many more wind farms can now switch to the yield-optimised mode and benefit from the power increase to 6.3MW – and thus significantly higher yields. That’s real added value,” said Timo Müller, EP5 Product Manager at Enercon.
Enercon noted that implementing the new modes requires both hardware and software modifications, but the operational lifespan of the turbines remains unchanged. Previously available modes will continue to be supported.
The E-175 EP5 was first launched in 2023 with optional operating configurations. The company said further performance upgrades are planned as part of its long-term product development roadmap.
