DNV GL is calling on wind industry stakeholders to join a new project it has launched to develop guidelines and recommended practice to alleviate turbines from the impacts of cyclones and earthquakes.
The ‘Alleviating Cyclone and Earthquake (ACE) Challenges for Wind farms’ joint industry project aims to gather information and experiences from industry participants to align design methodologies for extreme weather conditions.
DNV GL said seismic and cyclone impacts on turbines is of “critical importance” in emerging offshore markets, such as Taiwan, Japan and South Korea as well as parts of the US.
“Providing a joint industry approach for designing turbines for these extreme local environmental conditions is vital, to ensure the safety of the offshore structures in those emerging markets,” the company said.
It added that the lack of an aligned guideline often leads to increased work volume between developer, turbine manufacturer, designer and certification body, “causing delays and increasing costs of projects”.
ACE aims to bring more transparency and reduce uncertainty in the design of offshore wind turbines, DNV GL said.
“The recommended practice will increase the financial robustness of future wind farms developed for the emerging offshore markets,” the company said.
DNV GL executive vice president of renewables certification Kim Mork said: “All industry stakeholders acting in emerging markets in the Asia Pacific region and the US will benefit from the ACE project as it will help to minimise cost, warranty and liability risks and optimise wind turbine design for seismic and typhoon conditions.
“As the focus area for this joint industry project was developed mutually with different wind industry stakeholders, the feedback during the initiating phase has already emphasised the necessity of aligning the industry in this area.”