Vestas has upgraded the existing turbine versions of the EnVentus platform to a standard rating of 6.0 MW.

The upgrade to 6.0 MW delivers an increase in energy production of more than 3 percent compared to 5.6 MW depending on site-specific conditions, while the siteability parameters are maintained.

Upgrades are allowed by advances in load assessment and hardware upgrades unique to the generator, gearbox and cooling system.

At the same time, Vestas is building the V162-6.0 MW prototype turbine at the Østerild National test center for large wind turbines in western Jutland, Denmark. It will be mounted next to the V150-5.6 MW prototype that has already been upgraded to 6.0MW.

Following the final installation of the V162-6.0 MW turbine in mid-October, the prototype will undergo a comprehensive test and verification program to ensure reliability before the launch of the serial development in the second quarter of 2021.

“With this upgrade, we once again optimise our technology offering and reduce of the cost of energy with our relentless commitment to innovation and product development. It marks an important step forward in our journey to realise the potential of our modular EnVentus platform architecture and it is a great achievement by the many Vestas employees involved.”

Anders Nielsen, Vestas chief technology officer.

With a tip height of up to 200 meters and a swept area of more than 20,000m2, the V162-6.0 MW uses the largest rotor size in the Vestas portfolio to optimize energy output at low to medium wind locations.