AMSC, Sinovel develop most powerful Chinese turbines

American Superconductor Corporation received the initial order for full wind turbine electrical control systems from Sinovel Wind Group Co.

Swift Progress is being made by the Beijing-based Sinovel, China's largest wind turbine manufacturer, and AMSC Windtec to Develop China's most powerful wind turbines.

The systems will be deployed in Sinovel's first 5 MW doubly fed induction wind turbines. AMSC expects to deliver the electrical control systems to Sinovel in the second half of calendar year 2010.

In 2009, Sinovel shipped approximately 2,400 1.5 MW wind turbines and approximately 100 3 MW wind turbines, or approximately 3,900 MW of wind power equipment. Each of these wind turbines contained core electrical components from AMSC.

Sinovel expects to have its first 5 MW wind turbines, branded the SL5000, erected within the next 12 months and to commence full production of the wind turbines in 2011. Sinovel's SL5000 will be China's largest and most powerful domestically produced wind energy system.

"Sinovel is a juggernaut in the wind industry with tremendous experience manufacturing turbines with the most advanced technology," said AMSC founder and Chief Executive Officer Greg Yurek. "Building on the strength of the company's 1.5 MW and 3 MW platforms, the production of the higher power-rated SL5000 systems positions Sinovel as a technology leader globally."