Objective
The aim of the project is to build an app. 2.8 MW windfarm consisting of 4 x Vestas newly developed 650-700 kW turbine in order to prove how this optimised version of the well-proven 600kW turbine can achieve a considerable decrease both in investment cost and production cost compared to the revolutionary Vestas 600 kW OptiSlip and OptiTip features. Once the test programme of the prototype is completed, detailed examination of these data together with the collected wind data of the Connemara site, will determine the exact rated capacity. The wind project in Connemara will be the first demonstration project of the optimised new turbine.
The expected cost-efficiency improvements are the following :
- the combination of longer blades, better profiles and the higher maximum output of the generator improves output by almost 15% compared to the 600 kW turbine.
- the consequent re-use of many components from the 600 kW series ensures that cost will not go up more than 8-9%.
- Maintenance costs will remain the same for a 600 kW standard turbine and the new optimised version, which also is the case for insurance.
- resulting cost-efficiency will thus improve with 7-8% per kWH produced.
A MW size windfarm consisting of 4 of Vestas' newly developed 650-700 kW turbine will be build on a site located in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara area. A site specific WASP analysis shows wind speed of 8.4m/s at 40 meters hub high. The grid in south Galway/Connemara is, in line with other grids in the outlying coastal area of the western coast of the island, very weak. The area is served by 38 kV single spur. All electricity produced from the windfarm will be exported to the grid.
The main areas of improvements of the new turbines are the following :
- rotor size is optimised by the use of longer and lightweight blades to give 47 (against 44) meter rotor diameter.
- the blade profile has been improved to yell almost 2% more energy from the same swept area.
- the very advanced OptiSlip system introduced in the 600 kW turbines is further improved. This facilitates the re-use of a great number of existing components, thus improving cost of manufacture, stock holdings, and service ability.
- the generator is upgraded to between 650 and 700 kW without physically changing the size. The OptiSlip system has facilitated such upgrade.
- a second- smaller generator can be fitted as optional measure to improve low wind energy production and to reduce noise emission during lower wind conditions.
The turbines are expected to be erected in Spring 1998. The test programme will then go ahead.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
CO. Galway
Ireland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.