Vestas has unveiled a V163 version of its 4MW onshore wind platform.
The V163-4.5MW features an 18% increase in swept area and delivers up to 10% higher annual energy production compared with the V150-4.5MW depending on site-specific conditions.
The new turbine has 80.1-metre blades, giving it a rotor-size-to-rating ratio resulting in a higher capacity factor and an increased power output at medium and lower wind speeds when demand for renewables is high.
Temperature operation is increased by four degrees compared the V150-4.5MW, which leads to improved production predictability and stability with the potential to increase the value of energy, Vestas said.
The V163-4.5MW is globally applicable, although it is particularly relevant for sites in the US, Latin America, South Africa and parts of southern Europe.
Vestas chief technology officer Anders Nielsen said: “The V163-4.5MW improves business case certainty for our customers, and as it is built on one of the world’s most installed wind turbine platforms with a well-established global supply chain, it allows us to realise the full value of the investments made by Vestas and our suppliers through extending our technology lifecycles.
“The V163-4.5MW reduces the risk for customers, while ensuring that we design for scalability, which is key to our technological ambitions.
“This signals a new step in Vestas’ journey to drive industrialisation across renewables, and a pathway to increased profitability for the wind industry.”
Vestas North America president Laura Beane said: “The V163-4.5MW turbine is optimised for medium to low wind speeds, unlocking new markets across North America.
“Built off our proven 4MW platform, this product utilises an established supply chain and existing infrastructure, including transportation and installation.
“The V163-4.5MW turbine’s diverse suitability and Vestas’ expertise at site-specific towers will allow us to generate more profitable projects across a wide sector of the market.
“We look forward to continuing to bring innovative technology to the renewables industry and partnering with our customers to accelerate the deployment of wind energy in North America.”