MHI Vestas and Dong Energy have installed a test tower and foundation on a V164-8.0MW turbine in a bid to optimise hardware installation on the developer’s 258MW Burbo 2 offshore wind farm in the Irish Sea.
The pair said the deployment at MHI Vestas’ nacelle factory at the Lindø industrial park in Denmark will act as a “critical training tool” for full turbine installation which is slated to begin in the summer from Belfast Harbour.
A 97 metre tower has been installed with a shortened 222 tonne transition piece to test installation and commissioning procedures as well as enhance technician training, the companies said.
The deployment has resulted in a “significant reduction” in the commissioning phase of the tower, the companies added. The turbine will be in place for up to two years.
Contractors are also expected to use the test site to prepare for cable installation, Dong said.
Burbo 2’s project director Claus Bøjle Møller said: “As Burbo Bank Extension will be utilising the biggest wind turbines in the world, it is important that we are as prepared as possible before installation begins.
“The test tower and transition piece will allow us to avoid potentially costly interface misalignments, and to maximise efficiency and safety procedures during offshore construction of cables, foundations and turbines as well.”
MHI Vestas project director Rasmus Ravn added: “Investing in the test tower has further underlined the high value both MHI Vestas and Dong Energy place on testing our processes and interfaces before we begin offshore installation of Burbo Bank Extension.”
Image: the V164-8.0MW turbine being installed (MHI Vestas, Dong)
MHI Vestas trials Burbo 2 kit
Turbine manufacturer and Dong bid to speed up hardware installation
By EBS