Enercon GmbH (Germany), a producer of wind turbines, has selected Maxwell Technologies Inc.’s (San Diego, CA) BOOSTCAP ultracapacitors for backup energy storage and power delivery in its new E-48 800 kW wind turbines. The companies have signed a strategic supply agreement through which Enercon will source ultracapacitors exclusively from Maxwell. Enercon decided to use ultracapacitors for blade pitch system backup power after extensive testing confirmed their significant advantages over traditional battery solutions.
Alain Riedo, vice president and general manager of Maxwell’s Swiss subsidiary, Maxwell Technologies SA, said, "With an installed base of more than 7,300 wind turbines worldwide, Enercon is at the forefront of developing and producing megawatt class turbines. To optimize energy output and enhance system reliability and longevity, each of their turbines’ three blades has an independent braking and pitch adjustment mechanism with backup power to ensure its continuous operation in the event of a power failure. Enercon’s E48 turbines each incorporate more than 200 of our BOOSTCAP ultracapacitors for backup power."
