V112–3.0 MW technical sessions delight customers

“This should be the new benchmark” was how one Vestas customer described his detailed introduction to the design of the new V112–3.0 MW wind turbine. “Breathtaking”, said another.

To show customers why they can order the V112–3.0 MW with confidence, Vestas has been running “due diligence” sessions for key customers and their independent technical advisers, says Kim Nørgaard, Business Manager with the Business Development Department of Vestas Offshore. “These are two-day workshops with hard-core technical content, and the customers are delighted,” Nørgaard says.

Hosting the sessions are staff from Vestas Offshore and the V112–3.0 MW core team from Vestas Technology R&D. Together, these experts present a picture of the new turbine so detailed that those attending must sign strict non-disclosure agreements. “We have built on the procedure we used for the launch of the V90–3.0 MW, but this is more detailed,” Nørgaard explains.

Due diligence describes the process through which customers – and their banks – evaluate and control the risks of building wind power plants, especially when these involve new technology. The use of a separate mainshaft in the V112–3.0 MW is a return to familiar territory after the integrated drive train of the V90–3.0 MW, but in other ways the V112–3.0 MW is very new.

“For instance, this is the first time we have used a full-scale converter in the electrical system, and the very high level of integration between the different parts of the turbine is also exciting,” says Nørgaard. “In a tight market, potential investors have to feel confident in our ability to minimise the technical risks, and for that they need detailed information.”

The due diligence workshops also help Vestas staff gather feedback about what customers want, Nørgaard says, and promote Vestas’ new spirit of openness.