Vestas V90-3MW
The Vestas V90-3MW is a three bladed upwind wind turbine generator that uses pitch control and a doubly fed induction generator (50 Hz version). Vestas has installed over 500 units of this type globally since launch.[1]
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.
It is produced in both an on and offshore version.
Technical details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated Power | 3000 kW |
| Concept | Variable speed, DFIG generator with pitch control |
| Nacelle weight | 70 t[2] |
| Rotor diameter | 90 metres (300 ft) |
| Rotor weight | 41 t[2] |
| Speed control | Independent pitch control to each blade |
| Generator | Water cooled, various suppliers |
| Gearbox | Hansen, two planetary and one helical, 1:100 step up (approx) |
| Cut In | 4 m/s |
| Rated | 15 m/s |
| Cut Out | 25 m/s |
Towers may weigh 160t if 80m tall, or 285t at 105m (235t in Germany).[2]
Operational history
The first V90-3MW was erected in Northern Germany in May 2002. 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 Following a number of gearbox problems, the V90-3MW was withdrawn for offshore sales in early 2007 before being reissued for offshore use in May 2008.[3]
Some 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 60 Hz 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 60 Hz 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, The Netherlands (36 units in operation)
- Robin Rigg (60 units in operation)
- Zeebrugge, Belgium (55 units in operation)
- Thanet, UK (100 turbines in operation[4])
Manufacture
Presently, the nacelles are exclusively made at the Vestas Nacelles works in Taranto, Italy. Towers and Blades may come from a number of locations.
References
- ↑ Vestas 3.0 MW
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 V90-3.0 MW Vestas, 2008. Accessed: 9 October 2011.
- ↑ V90-3.0 MW offshore wind turbine back on the market again, Vestas Press Release 18th Feb 2008
- ↑ Warwick Energy Limited
External links
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