Hau Nui Wind Farm Explained

Hau Nui Wind Farm
Coordinates:-41.3617°N 175.4839°W
Country:New Zealand
Location:south-east of Martinborough, Wellington region
Status:O
Commissioned:, 2004
Owner:Genesis Energy
Ps Units Operational:15
Ps Units Manu Model:Enercon: E-40
Wind Hub Height:460NaN0
Wind Rotor Diameter:400NaN0
Wind Farm Type:Onshore
Ps Electrical Capacity:8.65 MW
Ps Electrical Cap Fac:29.0%
Ps Annual Generation:22 GWh

The Hau Nui Wind Farm is a 15-turbine wind farm located approximately south-east of Martinborough, in the South Wairarapa District of New Zealand. Hau Nui (Māori for "big wind") was the first wind farm built in New Zealand.[1]

The wind farm was built in two stages and the completed capacity is 8.65 MW.[2]

Site

Hau Nui wind farm is located on a ridge adjacent to White Rock Road, the main road between Martinborough and White Rock. Stage 1 is situated on Range Road near its intersection with White Rock Road. Stage 2 is located approximately one kilometre south of Stage 1 on Range Road.

The site has an average wind speed of 9.2-.

Turbines

Hau Nui has a total of fifteen Enercon E-40 wind turbines. The seven Stage 1 turbines are third-generation turbines, delivering 550 kW each. The eight Stage 2 turbines are later versions of the same Enercon E-40 model, each generating 600 kW each.

The turbines in both stages are 46m (151feet) tall to the hub, and have rotor diameters of 40m (130feet).

Transmission

Electricity generated by Hau Nui is injected into the local distribution grid. The 400 V electricity generated by each turbine is stepped up by transformers at the base of the turbine - to 11,000 V for stage 1 turbines and 33,000 V for stage 2 turbines.

33 kV lines from stage 2 take electricity to Martinborough to supply the town. Stage 1 turbines connect to 11 kV lines to supply the local area, or connect to the Stage 2 to Martinborough 33 kV lines through a 750 kVA transformer to the north side of the stage.

During peak demand, electricity generated by Hau Nui is used by Martinborough and the eastern South Wairarapa district. During off-peak, Hau Nui electricity can supply the entire South Wairarapa district via 33 kV lines connecting Martinborough with Featherston, Greytown, and Pirinoa. If local demand is low, some electricity may be exported to the national grid through Transpower's Greytown substation.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: New Zealand Energy Data File. Ministry of Economic Development. June 2008.
  2. Web site: Hau Nui Wind Farm. New Zealand Wind Energy Association.