Flender Introduces GENERA Generator Concept for Wind Turbines

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German drive specialist Flender has introduced Winergy GENERA, a new generator concept for wind turbines, at WindEnergy Hamburg. The validated design concept and technology package is aimed at higher power density, lower noise, reduced material use and improved drivetrain efficiency across different wind turbine applications.

GENERA delivers power densities of up to 700 W/kg, representing a 10% increase compared with previous versions and comparable products. The generator is also 25% shorter than the previous generation, enabling transport by standard trucks and containers for power classes above 10 MW. The compact design can help reduce logistics requirements and support turbine installation at sites with transport constraints.

“With Winergy GENERA we are doing more with less,” said Tommy Rahbek Nielsen, President of Winergy. “We combine very low noise with high power density and improved reliability, while eliminating magnets and rare earth materials – even in high power turbine classes. That reduces material input and improves the economics of wind projects.”

GENERA is based on a Double Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) design and does not depend on rare earth materials across its power range. This is particularly relevant for turbines above 10 MW, where other generator concepts commonly use permanent magnets containing rare earth materials. By eliminating this requirement, GENERA reduces exposure to supply and price fluctuations associated with rare earth materials.

The generator can be configured with either aluminium or copper windings, depending on project requirements. The aluminium option provides turbine manufacturers with an alternative to copper, which remains subject to supply constraints and price volatility.

GENERA also operates without external cooling fans, eliminating the auxiliary power required for fan-based cooling. This can contribute to higher annual energy production. Noise emissions are 6 dB(A) lower than the previous generation, helping reduce generator noise at wind turbine sites.

“Winergy GENERA shows that high performance and cost-efficiency are not contradictory,” said Jörg Sieber, Vice President Wind Generators in Flender’s wind segment. “We are increasing power density, reducing noise and lowering material use – in one solution. That helps our customers improve the overall economics of their wind projects.”

The generator is designed to work with different gearboxes and is particularly optimised for use with Flender’s Winergy REVO gearbox concept. REVO has achieved a torque density of 300 Nm/kg, enabling more compact turbine designs or higher output without increasing drivetrain size. Together, GENERA and REVO provide an integrated drivetrain solution with optimised gear ratios, high efficiency, reactive power capability and grid compatibility.

Flender is offering GENERA as a configurable technology package rather than a fixed solution. Customers can select options based on winding material, noise requirements, logistics constraints and individual turbine specifications. GENERA is also integrated with Flender’s digital and service portfolio. Through AIQ drive intelligence, the condition of the drivetrain can be monitored from the main bearing and gearbox to the coupling and generator. AIQ Orbit combines up to eight AIQ Pulse vibration sensors with speed monitoring and provides data through the AIQ web portal. Winergy service specialists can use the monitoring data to support maintenance planning and reduce unplanned downtime.

“Wind energy has become a central pillar of a secure energy supply in Europe,” said Andreas Evertz, CEO of the Flender Group. “Every kilogram of material saved and every point of efficiency gained makes wind power even more competitive – and competitiveness determines how fast the industry can build. GENERA and REVO are our contribution to that.”

GENERA and REVO are being displayed at the Winergy stand in Hall B5, Stand 130, during WindEnergy Hamburg from September 22 to 25, 2026. GENERA is being presented to the public for the first time on the opening day of the exhibition. Flender is also showcasing AIQ drive intelligence, its wind coupling portfolio including the ARPEX ARV, and the Winergy Service360 portfolio.