At 63 metres, Suzlon builds India’s longest wind turbine blade

Renewable energy solutions provider Suzlon Group, has designed and manufactured the country’s longest wind turbine blade at its Padubidri Rotor Blade Unit. The company has been setting industry benchmarks across the technology value chain by bringing global scale capability to India, and with the production of latest turbine blade, it has once again touched another benchmark. The advanced blade (SB 63) measures 63 meters in length and has been specifically developed for Suzlon’s new S128 wind turbine family with a rotor diameter of 128 meters, 1.5 times taller than the India Gate monument in terms of height. 

J.P. Chalasani, Group CEO, Suzlon Group said “It has been our continuous endeavor to reduce the levelised cost of energy (LCoE) by leveraging technology. Our R&D efforts are focused on developing technologically advanced and innovative products. The new blade will offer higher aerodynamic performance and improved annual energy production (AEP) and will harness the optimal available wind resources.” 

The blades are engineered with a carbon girder which provides the capability to utilize thinner aerodynamic profiles and provides higher lift with less drag to contribute to the turbine’s excellent performance in low wind sites. 

While the  S128 series offers ~33% more swept area (12,860 m2) and is expected to deliver ~32% more energy generation compared to the S111. 

With an increase in the swept area Suzlon’s next generation turbine is well equipped to improve energy yield and support competitive tariff environment in India while protecting our customers return on investment.

Also, the rotor blades are transported using two fold transport system, which is also build with a use of specialized ‘Adapter Trailer’ for the first time in India, ensuring safe and unbound maneuverability through the hilly terrain, while transporting the long blades. 

Such an approach is expected to ensure a safe, cost effective and time efficient mode of transport for the 63 meters long rotor blade to the most remote areas.