This video discusses the three new product variants of the 3 MW platform.
Vestas converted the factory into a modular, flexible production line capable of producing blades for both the V112 and V117 turbines.
“The production of the first blade for the V117-3.3 MW in Colorado demonstrates Vestas’ focus of being faster to the market in developing new products,” says Vestas Chief Manufacturing Officer Jean-Marc Lechêne. “In just five months Vestas has been able to modify the production set up where we can introduce a new blade variant on a flexible production line that can be transformed between blade types within a single day.”
Proven technology
The 57.5 m prototype blade is the first of a new variation of the 55 m blade used for the V112-3.0 MW - with a 2.5 m root extension. The increased rotor size means the V117-3.3 MW optimises performance on medium wind sites, increasing annual energy production by up to 7.1% compared to the V112-3.0 MW. The V117-3.3 MW is one of three new variants of the 3 MW platform recently released to the market, along with the V112-3.3 MW and the V126-3.3 MW. The new turbines are developed from the same proven technology, enabling customers to benefit from higher reliability, more effective service and spare part operations The 57.5 m blade is on route to Vestas’ testing facilities on the Isle of Wight, UK, for validation and lifecycle testing.
The factory in Colorado also recently manufactured the blades for the V117-3.3 MW prototype due to be assembled in July in Denmark, as well as the blades for the first five V117-3.3 MW turbines which have been sold to a customer in Denmark.
