The platform's five rotor variants, two nacelle configurations, multiple power modes and 15 hub heights are designed to give its 3MW-models "substantially more versatile market coverage" while tailoring the turbines to have maximised annual energy production (AEP) and the lowest cost of energy "at each unique wind site".
"The upgraded 3MW platform adds versatility by broadening the portfolio of turbine combinations," says chief technology officer Anders Vedel.
"The result is that customers can select the optimal turbine configuration with higher precision, boosting performance at each unique wind site and lowering the cost of energy.
"Standardised components deliver the reliability expect[ed] from Vestas, while the added versatility allows for flexible site solutions."
The V105, V112, V117 and V126 will have optional power modes to generate as much as 3.6MW, giving them an AEP up to 12% higher – depending on site-specific conditions – than previous models in the class.
The V136-3.45MW will be marketed for low wind sites, the V126-3.45MW for medium wind, and V117-3.45MW, V112-3.45MW and V105-3.4 MW for high wind conditions.
Vestas will also begin fabricating a 166-metre tower, its tallest onshore hub height ever, based on its proprietary Large Diameter Steel Tower technology.
The next-generation advanced control system is based on industry 4.0 standards and input/outputs are "significantly increased" for a flexible and future-ready system setup.
Some 7GW of Vestas' earlier-model 3MW turbines have been installed in 27 countries worldwide.
First deliveries of the machines of the smaller-rotor models are forecast for Q4 2016, with the V136 series coming to market in Q3 2017.
Note: Updates earlier version to amend models with 3.6MW option.
