Vestas new V164-7.0 MW turbine, purpose built for the offshore wind energy market has been co-designed by Technology R&D and Vestas Offshore, shaking up Vestas’ design process in order to produce the best possible offshore turbine.
The development of new turbines is usually driven by Technology R&D in collaboration with the PBUs, but for the design of the V164-7.0 MW Vestas Offshore was integrated much closer into the design process than previously whilst Technology R&D still retained the responsibility for the development.
This was done by having the two workstreams Construction and Operation & Maintenance headed by Vestas Offshore whilst Technology R&D headed the remaining two workstreams Turbine Development and Supply Chain & Production.
Jan Thomsen, SVP of the V164-7.0 MW in Technology R&D explains that working closely on the design with Vestas Offshore has ensured the final product will be closely in line with our customers’ expectations.
“Vestas Offshore knows our customers and what they want in an offshore wind turbine,” he explains.
“By working so closely on the design process with Vestas Offshore, we can incorporate their knowledge of turbine performance at sea with our ability to produce the latest in cutting-edge technology for maximum energy output at minimum cost.”
Working close to build a giant
Chief Project Manager of the V164-7.0 MW Albert Winnemuller heads up the Turbine Development workstream and describes how working closely with Vestas Offshore helped incorporate the full value chain in the design of the turbine.
“By using an integrated product development method we ensured that all aspects from construction and operation is taken into the design process, ensuring maximum performance in the field as well as more efficient construction and servicing,” he says.
Senior Business Manager Kim Nørgaard from Vestas Offshore is taking charge of the workstream ‘Operation & Maintenance’ for the V164-7.0 MW. He and his team visit Vestas’ Technology R&D headquarters three days a week to work closely with the design teams.
“Being so tightly involved in the design process lets us provide instantaneous feedback on how this new product will work in the field,” he explains.
“For example we spend a lot of time using Computer Aided Design models and Technology R&D’s virtual reality nacelle to review the turbine layout and ensure it is possible for a service technician to replace any component safely and efficiently.”
“We also contribute with operational offshore knowledge in order to ensure that we learn from previous experiences and choose the right solutions and designs.”
Facts: Lower cost of energy with larger turbine
When it comes to offshore wind, the Cost of Energy can be reduced with larger turbines and reducing the cost of servicing.
The swept area of the rotor of the V164-7.0 MW is over 21.000 sqm and is the largest turbine ever produced by Vestas.
