Case study: TerraGen - Retrofitting aging wind turbines (USA)

Case story:
TERRA-GEN, LCC
Prolonged lifetime and an increased overall revenue by retrofitting aging wind turbines
The independent power producer Terra-Gen, LLC frequently experienced downtime with their
Vestas V47 * wind turbines on its high-wind site in Pacific Crest, Mojave. It goes without saying that
something needed to be done and a control retrofit seemed like the obvious solution.
The California-based company looked for
an experienced partner and got in contact
with DEIF who has a long track record in
retrofitting the Vestas V47s.
Based on thorough analysis and matching
of expectations, the team from DEIF
presented a business case that not only
would optimize the turbines’ performance
but also make Terra-Gen, LLC
independent in terms of VRCC related
costs such as spare parts, lost production
due to downtime and derating.
unit. Terra-Gen, LLC will benefit on an
increased availability factor, advanced
derating features, yaw algorithms and
adaptive power set point to keep the
turbines maximum energy output.
Basically, Terra-Gen, LLC increases
revenue and lowers the operation costs.
Short payback time and prolonged
lifetime
Only in three years, Terra-Gen, LLC
should see a positive return on investment
and the wind farm owner is positive.
“We strive to run our turbines efficiently
– at the lowest cost. The Pacific
Crest Wind Farm is a high wind site
and the cost of downtime is critical.
So, with the controller upgrade and
thus performance optimization, I am
convinced that we will extend turbine
lifetime, reduce our downtime and
increase the revenue of
the total wind farm”
Harvesting increased availability
without the VRCC
DEIF’s control solution includes new
technology that enables a more efficient
turbine operation without the VRCC
Ward Scobee
Chief Operating Officer, Terra-Gen, LLC.
*Vestas is a trademark of Vestas Wind Systems A/S. The Trademark owner is not associated with DEIF’s products or services.

Full data access
Besides having extended the lifetime of their wind turbines, tttv
also have free access to all available data enabling them to
continuously optimize their business.
Performance optimization & lifetime extension
The increased demand for competitive power production and
the rapid development in the wind industry necessitates that
older turbine models such as the Vestas V47 are equipped to
meet today’s performance standards. DEIF’s control retrofit
solution extends the turbine lifetime and optimizes the turbine
performance in terms of variable speed concepts, extended
cut-out and adaptive power set point.
“We believe that our customers should have free access to all
collected data - after all it is their wind turbines. Data access
enables owners and service crew to analyze the health of the
equipment and troubleshoot faster.”
Jean S. Felber
Sales and Business Development Manager
DEIF
DEIF A/S • Frisenborgvej 33, 7800 Skive, Denmark • Tel. +45 9614 9614 • www.deif.com