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- Category: Articles
Materials and method to reduce the radar cross section of wind turbinesReduction of the radar cross section is an important aspect when planning a modern wind power plant. In the European Union the building permits for more than 20GW of wind power plants are rejected till the end of 2011 because of interference with civil and military radars. This equates to an estimated value in 2011 of more than € 30 billion.
By Jari Jekkonen, Veijo Kangas, Pasi Moilanen and Marko Luukkainen, Morphona, Finland
- Category: Articles
SeaVision, Three-Dimensional Underwater Laser Imaging System
In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) imaging sensors have increased in popularity as a tool for surface-based structural integrity assessment. These sensors provide 3D volumetric information that can be compared against baseline models for the detection of structural defects. Kraken’s SeaVision is a subsea high resolution full colour laser imaging sensor that transfers these capabilities to the subsea domain. With the deployment of offshore wind set to almost triple in the next 10 years, the need for innovative and low-risk solutions to inspect assets is crucial. Traditional inspection regimes need to be enriched with full 3D digitalisation of the inspected subsea structure. Cloud enabled four-dimensional (4D) data analytics, which track the development of the asset over time, are a step forward towards more cost-effective subsea asset management.
By Patrick Merz Paranhos and Jakob Schwendner, Kraken Robotik, Germany
- Category: Articles
Power Curve Verification Using Ground-Based and Nacelle-Mounted Remote Sensing Devices
A power curve measurement using remote sensing technology was performed in Uruguay after previous measurements had been completed by an independent laboratory, and the results showed that the measured power curve was considerably below the advertised one. The classification procedure of the ground-based lidar and the power curve results according to the IEC 61400-12-1 Ed. 2 standard are presented in this work.
By Andres Guggeri and Vasilii Netesov, Ventus Energía, Uruguay
- Category: Articles
Using Interfering Sound Waves for Monopile Investigation
Offshore wind farm operators face a challenge when trying to establish the integrity of the monopile-transition piece interface which has been used in 80% of turbines constructed before 2012. A key focus is the layer of grout which bonds the two steel sections of the structure, the integrity of which could affect the turbine’s long-term stability. Uniper Technologies, working with a team from the British Geological Survey, has developed a system, the first of its kind, which uses interfering sound waves to investigate the monopile-transition piece underwater and highlight any areas of defective or missing grout. The system, which has been successfully trialled at sea, was a winner of the recent Subsea Inspection competition organised by the Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator. Importantly the technique can inspect the structure from a single surface and within the tight timescales required for offshore procedures. Inspection data is interpreted and shared in a transparent format.
By Dr Colin Brett, Head of Inspection, Uniper Technologies, UK
- Category: Articles
Breaking the Logistic Barriers in XXL Blades Industry
The growth of the wind market, together with the low availability of sites with optimal wind conditions, is creating a rapid increase in the size of turbines and therefore the diameter of some rotors that work at specific low power levels. This leads to the need for longer blades whose transport is, more and more frequently, a major logistical challenge that manufacturers must face. The modularisation of these blades is presented as a solution to reduce the costs of, or even make feasible, wind farms with more complicated logistics. The main OEMs are all working on modularisation developments that aim to lead to a reliable solution with an acceptable impact on the rest of the machine.
By Javier Iriarte, Senior Engineer at Nabrawind Technologies, Spain
- Category: Articles
Technology to Enhance Remote Wind Energy Staff Welfare
Wind energy providers know that retaining their most knowledgeable staff is critical to ensuring maximised operational efficiency. It’s also good business. Experienced team members perform duties more rapidly, and have more know-how to draw upon in challenging situations. But working conditions in the field can be harsh. Installations are typically remote and subject to sudden and dramatic weather changes. This article looks at what can be done to enhance the welfare of staff working in such conditions and to make sure they can be rescued when necessary.
By Gavan Murphy, Director of Marketing EMEA, Globalstar, Ireland
- Category: Articles
Overcoming the Problems of Size and High Wind Speeds
Wind farm sites have the annoying habit of being located in places with frequent high-speed winds! Also, the trend in the wind industry is to create bigger and taller wind turbine generators in order to produce more megawatt-hours. Unfortunately, construction and maintenance activities with the need for ever larger cranes to lift bigger loads to higher heights are not particularly compatible with high-speed winds.
By Emmanuel Garcia de la Pena, Managing Director, KoalaLifter, Spain
