General Dynamics GD33/500
The next generation in wind turbine design
The GD33/500 combines reliability, simplicity, and costeffectiveness in a world-class, cutting-edge turbine design.
It is ideally suited for community and distributed wind
energy projects with a grid-friendly design that can easily be
connected into the local power network, or operated behindthe-meter. For wind farm developers, the GD33/500 provides
superior land utilization and low environmental impact, as
well as ease of transport and installation and simplified, costeffective grid integration. The GD33/500 is robustly designed
to meet the rigorous requirements of IEC WT 01 Class IA.
Reduced weight and loads with two-bladed rotor
The two-bladed rotor is mounted on a hinge, allowing it to
teeter back and forth slightly as it rotates. This teetering ability
greatly reduces fatigue loads allowing for a lighter, more
cost-competitive design.
Robust Torque Limiting Gearbox design
The patented Torque Limiting Gearbox (TLG) is a hydraulic
variable speed system designed to provide smooth power
output and reduce fatigue loads. The TLG holds generator
speed constant while the wind turbine speed varies. This
allows for the use of a synchronous generator. TLG design
also reduces torque fluctuations allowing for a smoother,
lighter gearbox.
Grid-friendly synchronous generator
The General Dynamics Advantage
Robust and reliable
Easy grid integration
Low visual impact
Run-Quiet technology
Proven long-term performance
Cost-effective
The GD33/500 drives a grid-friendly synchronous generator,
which is synchronized directly through a voltage transformer.
Like the synchronous generators in nuclear, fossil fuel or
hydroelectric power plants, our synchronous generator
requires no power electronics for frequency conversion,
reducing both capital and maintenance costs for power
conditioning equipment. The GD33/500 synchronous
generator can also provide grid voltage control by delivering
reactive power on demand. Even when the wind is not
blowing, the GD33/500 generator can be rotated by a small
pony motor and operated as a synchronous condenser
with a continuous dynamic reactive power range of
200kVAr (import) to 300kVAr (export). These reactive power
capabilities enable wind farmers to meet grid requirements
while avoiding the costs of DVARs or capacitor banks for
reactive power support. The GD33/500 turbine incorporates
Low-Variable Speed (LVS) technology that increases energy
capture at low wind speeds.
General Dynamics GD33/500
Technical Specifications
Blades
Material
Air brake
Rotor
Number of blades
Rotor diameter
Rotor speed
Swept area
Hub height
Orientation
Regulation
Hub
Hydraulic System
Yawing
Pitch actuation
Braking
Torque limiting
Gearbox
Type
Generator
Type
Nominal power
Voltage
Frequency
Tower
Type
Height
Weight
Controller
Cut in system
Logic system
Nacelle and Rotor
Weight
Maximum blade-tip height
Performance
Low wind cut-in
Rated power at
Maximum power
High wind cut-out
Certification
Type approval
Turbine design
Quality accreditation
Laminated composites
Full-span pitch
2
33.2 m (108 ft)
48-51 rpm
866 m2
30 m (98 ft)
Upwind
Full-span pitch
Teetering (pitch-coupled)
1.3˚/sec or 2.0˚/sec, geared motor
Linear actuator
Fail-safe caliper
Radial piston pump
Planetary/parallel TLG
Synchronous
500 kW
415 VAC / 480 VAC
50 Hz / 60 Hz
Tubular
29 m (95 ft)
15,400 kg (33,900 lbs)
Auto-synch
PLC
12,700 kg (27,900 lbs)
46.6 m (153 ft)
5.5 m/s (12.3 mph)
13.7 m/s (30.6 mph)
500 kW
30 m/s (67 mph)
GD33/500
Curve
GD500-1ACalculated
Calculated Power
Power Curve
500
Power (kW)
400
300
200
100
0
0
50 Hz - Lloyd’s Register; 60 Hz In-Process
IEC 61400-1 (edition 3) Class 1A
ISO 9001: 2008
10
15
20
Hourly Mean Wind Speed (M/S)
25
30
GD33/500
Annual
GD500-1A
AnnualEnergy
EnergyOutput
Output
2500
Developed from Windflow
Technology Design
5
Annual Energy Output (MWh)
Capacity Factor
50%
2000
40%
1500
30%
1000
20%
500
0
10%
6
7
8
9
10
Annual Mean Wind Speed (M/S)
11
12
0%
2600 N. Longview Street • Kilgore, TX 75662 USA • Tel: (903) 984-0555 • Fax: (903) 984-1826 • Email: info@gdenergysolutions.com
Website: www.gdenergysolutions.com
Preliminary 655-0114 Rev 2, 10/12
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indicated as such herein are trademarks of General Dynamics. All other product and service names are the property of their respective owners. ® Reg. U.S. Pat. and Tm. Off.