A Ninth Wind Turbine for Princess Elisabeth Station

Originally, the station's wind turbines amounted to eight. Equipped with a triphase alternator, they are interconnected in couples along a network of three electrical wires (3x2 network). The last two wind turbines served as back-up turbines to guarantee the electricity production during maintenance or major repairs, thereby reducing the down-time to a minimum.

However, with a ninth wind turbine, the system will be able to run in a 3x3 network using three wind turbines per electrical connection. More energy will thus supply the station.

Eight wind turbines have already been mounted on the Utsteinen ridge to the north of the station. One is in operation and currently being monitored. The ninth turbine will be shipped on board the Ivan Papanin with the rest of the BELARE 2008-09 building equipment, in November 2008.