An investigation has commenced into the aging process of offshore wind turbine’s at C-Power’s 325MW Thorntonbank project off the Belgian coast.
C-Power said little is known about the aging process of offshore structures and that the research could provide guidance for the industry with regards to maintenance practices and smarter wind farm design.
The wind farm operator said it teamed up with Sirris/OWI-Lab and VUB to fit sensors and measuring systems to two of the project’s 54 turbines. The sensors recorded external influences such as weather, sea and seabed conditions and vibrations caused by the turbines.
The analysis also involves the examination of critical welds and joints in the foundation design.
Data will be analysed at a new data warehouse developed OWI-Lab, C-Power said.
Image: C-Power
Belgians test turbine toughness
Study launched into aging process at 325MW Thorntonbank project
By EBS