Mammoet has started joint efforts with Sumitomo Mitsui Construction and FHECOR Ingenieros Consultores to develop an innovative installation system for onshore wind turbines and towers.
The self-climbing installation technology erects each wind turbine tower in sections, allowing them to reach to greater heights and more reliable winds.
Mammoet said that as towers stretch towards 200 metres, fewer and fewer cranes have the reach necessary to perform turbine assembly on land.
Therefore, developers have looked at alternative assembly methodologies such as climbing cranes or huge tower cranes, but these are not available the market.
Crawler cranes currently used are not specifically designed for onshore wind farm constructions, it said.
Mammoet added that in addition when towers approach 200 metres in height, there is an additional requirement for them to be constructed using a concrete or hybrid steel-concrete structure because steel alone lacks the rigidity required to support the weight of the tower, nacelle and blades.
To address these challenges, the trio have agreed to start the joint development of a 200-metre tower.
The design was by both Sumitomo Mitsui Construction and FHECO, while the self-climbing lifting system’s conceptual design was by Sumitomo Mitsui Construction.
Mammoet contributed in terms of experience and engineering.
Each tower is to be constructed in sections and raised in stages to its full operational height.
This system allows the nacelle to be affixed to each turbine tower at a much lower height than is currently the case, improving the safety of each lift and allowing customers to choose from a larger pool of cranes that are capable of undertaking this work.
This also has a positive impact on both project scheduling and cost, the companies said.
The technology can be used for both greenfield onshore, offshore wind developments, or for the renewal of existing onshore wind towers.
Development of the technology continues, the partners said.
Sumitomo Mitsui Construction said: “With Mammoet, this project moves from concept to reality. We provided technical development for design and ideation, whereas Mammoet then supporting us with their experience and expertise in heavy lifting and engineering for wind power and renewables sector.
“We believe this technology developed will meet gradually also meet the needs of onshore and offshore wind markets not just in Japan, but around the world.”
Meanwhile, Mammoet is to open a new office in Taichung, Taiwan.
The office will allow the company’s team to be located closer to project sites and to offer onshore services for offshore wind farms locally, it said.