The development of the game changing V164-8.0 MW turbine is progressing according to schedule and several main components are close to completion.
The development of the V164 turbine is on track and several main components are close to completion at Vestas facilities both in Aarhus, Denmark and in the Isle of Wight, UK.
“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. 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,” says Executive Vice President and CTO, Anders Vedel.
The blade mould for the 80 metres long blade is located at Vestas’ facility in the Isle of Wight, UK. The production of the first blade for testing purposes will be initiated here during Q4 2012 and tested from Q1 2013. The prototype hub has been casted, and is also located in the Isle of Wight ready for testing.
According to Anders Vedel the complete drivetrain of the V164-8.0 MW turbine 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,” he says.
Vestas still expects the first prototype of the V164-8.0 MW turbine to be installed in Oesterild, Denmark during 2014.
Turbine capacity of the V164 turbine increased to 8 MW
From the very beginning the V164 has been developed with a potential of increasing the turbine size. Today, Vestas announced that the turbine capacity of the V164 has been increased to 8 MW.
“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,” says Anders Vedel.
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Press release, October 03, 2012; Image: vestas