In January 2012, the annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES) gathered in Abu Dhabi for the fifth time key political, business, academic and industry players from different parts of the world committed to satisfy our growing need for sustainable energy.
As this year’s summit program is focusing on Powering Sustainable Innovation, Vestas presented two of its latest technology innovations: the V164-7.0 MW offshore turbine and its new AOM 5000 (Active Output Management) service offering.
V164-7.0 MW: A technological innovation for offshore wind
Having delivered 580 offshore turbines representing a total capacity of 1,407.09 MW to the offshore market worldwide as of 30 June 2011, Vestas has a pioneering expertise to answer offshore challenges (e.g.: large scale projects, distance from shore, depths of installation, safety, etc.) Its new V164-7.0 MW introduces a new generation of turbines 100% dedicated to optimize yield and profitability of offshore wind power plants.
Thanks to a huge rotor diameter of 164 metres and an excellent rotor to generator ratio, the V164-7.0 MW maximises the amount of energy captured. With more than 21,000 square meters, its swept area is equivalent to almost three football pitches. Variables like wind speed, water depth, wind power plant size, grid capacity and foundation type are also taken into account to optimise its yield.
Moreover, the V164-7.0 MW has been designed to require as little maintenance as possible, while offering safe, quick and cost efficient service conditions when maintenance operations are required. For example, an aircraft-inspired ‘redundant component’ policy design avoids unnecessary interventions between schedules servicing and ensures normal output if unexpected issues arise. The turbine also features failure tolerant modes and all equipment and components are evolutions of proving existing technology.
AOM 5000: Move wind from hour to power
To face current environmental and financial challenges, wind power plants developers and owners demand higher flexibility, superior performance and better risk management. In response to these needs and in line with Vestas’ relentless commitment to continuously drive down the cost of energy and ensure customers’ business case certainty, the company launched last year its newest product within the Active Output Management (AOM) series: the AOM 5000, a new service offer that optimizes wind power plant output and minimizes customers’ risk.
