nkt cables connector attaches the word's largest wind turbine to the grid

The Maade project is one of the first to make use of the 72 kV connector and installation was handled by VB-enterprise, an experienced, local nkt cables and MHI Vestas partner.

nkt cables EVP Specialties, Oliver Schlodder says: “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.”

Only very few global suppliers, including nkt cables, manufactures and markets an extensive range of cable accessories ready for the 72 kV offshore segment. Furthermore, the range can be combined with nkt cables’ portfolio of medium- and high-voltage power cables, allowing the company to be a complete solution provider. 

nkt cables’ Konstantin Kurfiss, SVP medium-voltage accessories looks at the future perspectives: “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.”

For more than 20 years, nkt cables has manufactured and delivered accessories for a large number of wind farm projects in Central and Northern Europe.

Technical details

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. 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. The CB 72 is made of silicone rubber and could be used for cables from 95mm² up to a cross section of 1,200mm². The CB 72 is part of a complete family of 72 kV accessories such as coupling connector CC 72, surge arrester CSA 72, ACTB (Array Cable Transition Box) or termination THV 72 and joint SME 72 as well as inter array cables.