Detailed Description:

Background

ode's client is developing a new concept of wind turbine generators. Through various design innovations this new turbine aims at reducing the cost of generated energy including potential down time due to turbine generator failure.

The turbine in question was originally designed for the onshore market and will be introduced to that market during 2005.

The client now wishes to adapt the design of its new turbine for potential use offshore, initially targeting the challenging environment seen in the UKCS (United Kingdom Continental Shelf) and European waters.

As the first step towards this objective, ode has been contracted to conduct a comprehensive 'technical marinisation study' of the WTG. This study will be utilising ode's renewable offshore windfarm capabilities, and extensive offshore oil, gas and marine engineering experience.

Scope of Work

The marinisation study principally addresses the technical issues concerning the suitability of design of the turbine for construction, operation and maintenance within the UKCS and European offshore environment.

The study not only focuses at the turbine component level, but also examines foundation loading, construction and operational requirements etc.

The final report will identify key issues and submit specific proposal / design change recommendations required to achieve a successful and effective marinisation of the wind turbine.

This following provides an overview of the Scope of Work to be undertaken :

Environment

An overview of the environmental and operating conditions for the UK Continental Shelf will also be provided.

Offshore Construction Issues

A design review of the critical Nacelle, Tower and Foundation component interfaces with regard to the effective offshore construction.

Foundation Design

As the choice of foundation design will always site specific the study provides an overview of the typical design options currently being considered for use in the region. This will also include issues regarding marine corrosion, biological fouling, marine marking of equipment and access/egress methods by boat.

Materials

Focusing mainly upon the principal components, the study will provide specific technical recommendations suitable for operating in the offshore environment. This work includes the protocols to ensure coatings are adequately pre-qualified for offshore use and to eliminate any maintenance of the coating system during the operational life.

Wind Turbine and Associated Equipment

The study will undertake a review of all the key system components. Solutions for appropriate marinisation and associated equipment will be provided, including necessary changes in design as highlighted by current knowledge and practice in the Offshore Oil & Gas and Wind industries.

Maintenance

ode will undertake a review and provide design solutions currently in use and suitable for offshore energy industries.

As reliability and minimum intervention are key issues, consideration will include (but not be limited to) such issues as automation, predictive maintenance, redundancy and reliability.

Loads and Environmental Conditions (comparison of offshore vs. land based)

This element of the study compares the operational loadings for land based verses offshore-based turbines, taking note of the latest version of the following standards, which concern onshore and offshore wind turbines:

IEC 61400-1 Wind turbine generator systems - Part 1: Safety requirements
Germanischer Lloyd - Rules for Regulations - Offshore Wind Energy
DNV - Guidelines for design of wind turbines

Turbine Size for 2006 Market

In support of future turbine development requirements, an analysis of the most suitable turbine size for the 2006 market will also be undertaken. This analysis will study the different size of machines in order to demonstrate the optimum solution to achieve the lowest cost of energy.