China Rare Earth

Permanent Magnet Supply for Wind Turbine Systems – Munich, Germany

Client Background

A mid-sized wind turbine manufacturer based in Munich, Germany, specializing in the development of direct-drive onshore wind systems for the European renewable energy market. In early 2023, the company launched a 120MW onshore wind farm project, requiring a stable supply of high-performance magnet materials for its next-generation generator units.

Project Scope

Hongbang Technology was selected to supply sintered NdFeB permanent magnets for use in the rotor assemblies of direct-drive generators. The application demanded magnets with high magnetic energy density, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance, as the turbines would be installed in regions prone to sub-zero temperatures, high humidity, and occasional salt spray.

Technical Deliverables

  • Material Composition: Customized NdFeB formulation with trace additions of dysprosium (Dy) to improve coercivity and thermal resistance.
  • Magnetic Performance: Achieved a maximum energy product of 48 MGOe (Mega Gauss Oersteds), suitable for large-scale generator design.
  • Surface Coating: Magnets were treated with a three-layer protective coating (epoxy + NiCuNi) to ensure over 1000 hours of resistance in salt spray tests (ASTM B117).
  • Batch Consistency: All delivered batches met client-defined tolerances for dimensions, flux output, and isotropic behavior under operational loads.

Implementation Timeline

  • Q1 2023: Technical alignment, prototype sampling, and third-party magnetic property validation
  • Q2 2023: Initial volume delivery of 12 tons for the first 60MW turbine batch
  • Q1 2024: Follow-up order placed based on successful field performance; annual estimated volume: 30–50 tons

Outcome & Impact

  • The supplied magnets met client expectations in both laboratory and field tests, with no performance degradation reported after six months of operation.
  • The success of this batch led to inclusion in the client’s approved supplier list for future turbine series.
  • The project enhanced Hongbang Technology’s track record in providing magnet materials for mid-latitude, temperature-sensitive wind power applications.