Vestas goes extreme on 4MW platform

Vestas has introduced a new model to its 4MW platform designed to withstand extreme weather events including high wind speeds and turbulence in lightning storms.

Serial production of Vestas V136-4.2MW 'Extreme Climate' turbine is expected by mid-2021

The V136-4.2MW "Extreme Climate" turbine comes with reinforced blades and a strengthened hub.

It is primarily designed for low- to medium-wind speeds, but can withstand wind speeds of up to 53m/s and gusts of up to 78m/s, Vestas claimed.

The model can also endure "above-average frequency events and the intensity of lightning strikes associated with typhoons", the manufacturer added.

Vestas stated that the turbine is suited for both onshore and offshore sites in "severe climates", including in Japan, southern China, the Caribbean and the UK.

The manufacturer unveiled the new model at the 2019 Japan Wind Expo (27 February - 1 March) in Tokyo.

The turbine will be equipped with a "full-scale converter that offers active and reactive power capabilities", which makes it suitable for areas with low grid capacity, the manufacturer said.

Vestas plans to offer "site-specific tower options such as large-diameter steel towers, transportation options for challenging sites, full-type certification" enabling installation worldwide.

The manufacturer will also equip the turbine with its cold climate and high wind operation solutions.

Serial production is expected by mid-2021, with the first deliveries due to follow later that year.

Vestas initially introduced its 4MW platform at 3MW in 2010. Since then it has scaled up the power rating to 4.2MW and has installed more than 7,000 turbines (about 23GW) in 44 countries.

Australia

Vestas has secured an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Australian utility Alinta Energy for its 214MW Yandin wind farm.

Once built, the site 150km north of Perth, will be the largest wind farm in Western Australia.

It will feature 51 V150-4.2MW turbines with hub heights of 105 metres. Commercial operations are due to start in the third quarter of 2020.