GE launches next-gen filter system for offshore wind turbines

February 9, 2010

GE says its new filter system will be ideal for offshore turbines

Wind turbine manufacturer GE has unveiled a new inlet filtration system it says will offer better protection for generators in some of the world’s most demanding conditions.

The company said its AltairSystem3 will protect against salt and other fine particulates in offshore conditions, helping to cut down the number of outages a wind farm will suffer.

The system will filter wet and dry particulates in all weather conditions, said GE, thanks to its SRS Technology.

Available as a new system or for retrofitting, AltairSystem2 users can easily upgrade to the new system, with “minimal” installation time, according to the manufacturer.

Customers will also get a longer life out of their filter systems, GE promised.

“AltairSystem3 is ideal for offshore environments in drier climates such as areas close to deserts or industrial sites. It can keep turbines running, for instance, even after they’re hit with waves big enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool,” says John Whitworth, GE’s senior product manager–filtration technologies for GE Energy Services.

“GE has more than 40 years experience in marine and offshore filtration–making both gas turbines and the filtration systems that protect them. We’re excited to launch the new AltairSystem3 and use our industry expertise to help give our customers better protection and smarter, more efficient solutions.”