Vestas Wind Systems has been at the heart of the wind industry’s development across the world and continues in that role with the development of its V164 platform, which is not only on track for prototype deployment but has recently seen a technological development allowing the turbine to now reach a capacity of 8 megawatts!
“The V164 platform was from the very beginning developed with a possible potential of increasing the turbine size,” said the Danish company in its press release. The development of the technology behind the V164 has now reached a point where an 8MW version will offer low-cost energy while leaving the reliability and structural integrity of the turbine unchanged.
“As we progressed in the technology development it was clear that an 8 MW version of the turbine will offer lower cost of energy and at the same time keep the reliability and structural integrity of the turbine unchanged,” said Executive Vice President and CTO, Anders Vedel.
The development of the new V164 turbine is progressing according to schedule, with several main components currently nearing completion:
- The blade mould for the 80-metre blades is ready at Vestas’ testing facilities on the Isle of Wight, UK, and the production of the first blade for testing purposes will be initiated during Q4.
- The prototype hub has been cast and is ready for testing.
- The generator and gear box will be ready for testing in Q1 2013.
“We are getting closer to installation of the prototype every day, and it is very satisfying to see the first major parts of the V164-8.0 MW under completion,” said Vedel. “This turbine is truly going to be a game changer. When you stand beside the blade mould for the 80 metre long blades you can really sense the scale of the turbine.”
Vedel noted that the complete drivetrain will be tested at Vestas’ facilities in Aarhus, Denmark on a test bench currently being built to the purpose.
“Our capability to do in-house testing of the V164 gives us a competitive advantage. It improves the reliability of the turbine and thereby the business case certainty for the customers. The test bench will be commissioned in January 2013.”
The company are still targeted for installation during 2014.
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