nkt cables Connector Hooks Måde Giant to Grid

Research & Development

nkt cables has supplied the 72 kV connector which enables transmission of power from one of the two V164 8MW prototype wind turbines from MHI Vestas Offshore Wind installed in Måde, near Esbjerg, on Denmark’s west coast.

The two wind turbines, which are the largest on the market, were put into full operation in April 2016 and are now providing power to approximately 18,000 Danish households.

The Maade project is one of the first to make use of the 72 kV connector and installation was handled by VB-enterprise.

nkt cables EVP Specialties, Oliver Schlodder, said: “I am very pleased that MHI Vestas has chosen nkt cables as supplier for this test installation. It is a recognition of our competences and leadership within medium- and high-voltage accessories and shows that our strategic focus on innovation and product development is right.”

The E-module incorporated in the MHI Vestas V164 8MW wind tower foot consists of a high-voltage transformer and a new Mitsubishi 72 kV gas insulated switchgear to be connected to the local power grid.

Source: nkt cables
Source: nkt cables

A 400mm² 72 kV high-voltage cable from nkt cables was connected to the switchgear via the new outer cone cable connector type CB 72.

nkt cables’ Konstantin Kurfiss, SVP medium-voltage accessories, said: “The CB 72 connector, combined with our Array Cable Transition Box (ACTB), represents significant process efficiencies as it will be possible to energize the wind farm before all wind turbines are installed. That ensures our customers both an earlier utilization of investment and increased productivity compared with other solutions.”