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). Its manufacturer claims to have installed over 500 units of this type globally since launch.[1]

Vestas V90 3MW nacelle

Vestas claims the turbine provides 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.

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 Following a number of gearbox problems, the V90-3MW was withdrawn for offshore sales in early 2007 before being reissued for offshore use in May 2008.[2] Presently, the nacelles are exclusively made at the Vestas Nacelles works in Taranto, Italy. Towers and blades may come from a number of locations. Vestas produces a 3.65 MW low-wind version called the V136.[3]

Technical details
Parameter Value
Rated Power 3000 kW
Concept Variable speed, DFIG generator with pitch control
Nacelle weight 70 t[4]
Rotor diameter 90 metres (300 ft)
Rotor weight 41 t[4]
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 160 t if 80 m tall, or 285 t at 105 m (235 t in Germany).[4]

Differences between V90-3 and V90-2/V80s

Differences from its predecessor model the V80 include use of an oil cooled generator, and a compact gearbox, which now butts up directly to the hub rather than through a low speed shaft. The V90-3MW can be differentiated from the V80 by the shape of the nacelle, which has a cut-out profile at the back. Other differences include:

  • 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 six motors rather than four.
  • The V90-3 uses gearboxes manufactured by Hansen Transmissions, a subsidiary of ZF Wind Power Antwerpen
  • Additional frame structure on nose cone to accommodate hub escape hatch.
  • Disc brake for parking.
  • New blade construction incorporating carbon fiber in main spar
  • Vortex shedders on blades.

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.

For licensing reasons, the 60 Hz model sold in the US and Canada uses a slightly different converter system, allowing only one-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).

Offshore use
Vestas V90-3MW at Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm

The V90-3MW is used offshore in the following wind farms:

References
  1. Vestas 3.0 MW
  2. "V90-3.0 MW offshore wind turbine back on the market again, Vestas Press Release 18th Feb 2008" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-07-07. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  3. http://www.business.dk/energi/vestas-paa-vej-med-ny-landbaseret-kaempemoelle
  4. V90-3.0 MW Archived June 15, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Vestas, 2008. Accessed: 9 October 2011.
  5. Archived July 8, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
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