Can wind turbine energy-output be increased without the production of larger turbines?
Vestas and DTU looking to challenge the scaling rules (photo: Vestas)Vestas and DTU looking to challenge the scaling rules (photo: Vestas)
April 21st, 2016 12:02 pm| by Christian W facebooktwittergoogle_pluspinterestmail
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has teamed up with the Danish wind turbine producer Vestas to test a new multi-rotor wind turbine.
The new turbine, which will be erected near the DTU Risø Campus north of Roskilde, will include four rotors attempt to overcome the belief that wind turbine energy-output can only be increased by producing larger turbines.
“Installing a concept turbine shows that innovation sometimes entails entirely new thinking and new approaches,” said Jorge Magalhaes, the senior vice president for Vestas Innovation & Concepts. “This process of continuous innovation and exploration is extremely important.”
“It provides us with essential knowledge that can help us bring down our products’ cost of energy and integrate key technologies to solve our customers’ challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to assess if we can build an even more cost-efficient turbine by challenging the scaling rules.”
READ MORE: Vestas seals another trio of deals
Basking in Bahia
The new concept focuses on increasing the energy production of the turbine without altering its so-called footprint. The trial will require the development of new control mechanisms which will need to be tested and approved in the coming years.
The new turbine is to be erected sometime this month and is expected to be ‘switched on’ in May.
In related news, Vestas has secured a 172 MW agreement in Bahia, Brazil involving the supply of 86 units of V110-2.0 MW turbines. Vestas has been present in Brazil since 2000.
