Vestas V90-3MW

The Vestas V90-3MW is a 3 bladed upwind wind turbine generator that uses pitch control and a doubly fed induction generator (50Hz version). Vestas say they have installed over 500 units globally since launch. [ [http://www.vestas.com/en/wind-power-solutions/wind-turbines/3.0-mw Vestas | 3.0 MW ] ]

The V90-3MW evolved from the V80, but with a number of radical differences, the main one being that an oil cooled generator was used, and a single supplier (Hansen) was used for a new style compact gearbox which now butted up directly to the hub rather than through a low speed shaft.

Its relatively low overall weight was one of its major selling points, with Vestas marketing the turbine as giving 50% more power for roughly the same weight as the V80. The V90-3MW should not be confused with the V90-2MW which is essentially a V80-2MW with longer blades.

Both an onshore and offshore model exist, the offshore model being a specially marinised version of the onshore model.

Technical details

Operational history

The first V90-3MW was erected in Northern Germany in May 2002. From the very beginning the V90 was infamous for their low availability figures. Subsequently 15 test turbines were deployed around the world in different climatic conditions, so that when it went into production, the V90-3MW had been tested in more sites than the V80-2MW. Following a number of gearbox problems, the V90-3MW was withdrawn for offshore sales in early 2007 before being reissued for offshore use in May 2008 [ [http://www.vestas.com/files//Filer/EN/Investor/Company_announcements/2008/080218-MFKUK-11.pdf "V90-3.0 MW offshore wind turbine back on the market again", Vestas Press Release 18th Feb 2008] ] .

ome differences between V90-3 and V90-2/V80s

* Does not use a low speed shaft (the gearbox is integral to the main bearing).
* Generator is liquid cooled (with an associated additional cooling system).
* Lighter tower construction
* Different shape of the back of the nacelle to accommodate this cooling system.
* Yawing system which used 6 motors rather than 4.
* The V90-3 exclusively uses gearboxes manufactured by Hansen.
* Additional frame structure on nose cone to accommodate hub escape hatch.
* Disk brake for parking.
* New blade construction incorporating carbon fiber in main spar
* Vortex shedders on blades.

Noise modes

The V90-3MW can be specified with one of five different 'noise modes'. Each mode is set in the turbine software as part of the installation, although may be changed to another mode later. Each different noise mode implies a different power curve, so that for quieter operation, some energy yield is sacrificed. Noise mitigation is managed by adjustments to the blade pitch angle.

Differences with US and Canada model

For licensing reasons, the 60Hz model sold in the US and Canadian Markets uses a slightly different converter system, allowing only 1-way power flow through the rotor converter, rather than 2-way power flow used in the standard version. This restriction does not apply to 60Hz models sold in other regions (i.e. Japan).

Identification

The V90-3MW can be differentiated from its V80 cousins by the shape of the nacelle, which has a distinctive cut-out profile at the back.

Offshore use

The relatively low THM (top head mass) makes the V90-3MW an attractive proposition for offshore use.

* Barrow Offshore Wind (30 units in operation)
* Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm (30 units in operation)
* Egmond aan Zee (36 units in operation)
* Robin Rigg (60 units in construction phase)
* Thanet (100 turbines proposed [ [http://www.warwickenergy.com/17070601.htm Warwick Energy Limited ] ] )

Manufacture

Presently, the nacelles are exclusively made at the Vestas nacelles works in Ringkøbing. Towers and Blades may come from a number of locations.

References

External links

* [http://www.vestas.com/en/wind-power-solutions/wind-turbines/3.0-mw.aspx Official Product Page]
* [http://www.hansentransmissions.com Hansen Transmissions]