Vattenfall - Production

Production

Wind power is a non-polluting form of electricity production, and it contributes significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Placing wind turbines offshore only increases the environmental gains in such a project, as the turbines can produce an energy output which is up to 25 percent higher than for comparable turbines on shore. The turbines at Kentish Flats can produce an annual output of 280,000,000 kilowatt-hours, which corresponds to the consumption of 70.000 households (using 4000 KW/h per year) The Kentish Flats project gives an important contribution to the realisation of the British goal to reduce CO2 emissions.

The wind turbines’ production

The production from the wind turbines depends upon the actual wind speed. As wind speed increases the turbines' output will increase according to the power curve. The wind turbines start to generate power at wind speed of only 4 m/s, and peek at a wind speed of 14 m/s. If the wind speed exceeds 14 m/s, the turbine will automatically and gradually pitch the blades out of the wind so as to prevent overload. If the wind velocity exceeds 25 m/s, the turbines will disengage for safety reasons.

Operation and maintenance

The design of the wind turbines allows for minimum service, but each wind turbine will need two annual service inspections. In connection with maintenance inspections, service technicians will reach the wind turbines by boat. For this purpose an operation and maintenance facility will be constructed at Whitstable Harbour. The operation and maintenance facility will be used as base for the routine monitoring, management and maintenance of the wind farm.