Vestas choose Bosch Rexroth UK for V164 hydraulic power unit

This contract is the result of more than 2 years' work by Bosch Rexroth UK, from first principle discussions, through to detailed design work through to failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), all being completed by Rexroth's UK design team. Since the agreement was signed the unit has entered serial production, with Bosch Rexroth making significant investment in the Wakefield shop floor, including materials-handling and test equipment.

The V164 - 8.0MW is a three-bladed offshore wind turbine which has been purpose-built for offshore applications. It is equipped with 80m-length blades and has a swept area of 21.124m2, which is a greater diameter than the London Eye. The V164 is capable of up to 30 per cent more production per ton of turbine than other wind turbine models. The first prototype unit was installed in northern Denmark in January 2014, and the first industrial units are scheduled for installation in 2016 off the coast of the UK.

Stuart Williams, Wind Turbine Sector Manager at Bosch Rexroth, comments: "Bosch Rexroth UK has the design capabilities, processes and controls to help customers in the most demanding applications, including wind energy. Working closely with the Vestas team, we have arrived at a design that is both optimal in the space it occupies, along with a very high level of operational availability. The design produces an exceptionally high power density, which enables pitching of the huge V164 blades in any weather.

"Our design capabilities, our processes, our facilities and our people have allowed us to participate in this truly prestigious project. We are delighted to have been selected by Vestas and look forward to seeing the first V164s off the coast of the UK in the very near future."

For more information about the hydraulic power unit (HPU) visit www.boschrexroth.co.uk.