SENSEWind is planning to build a 6MW turbine in Scotland using its modular self-installing tower and self-erecting rotor nacelle assembly system.
Construction is slated for 2027 at Muirhall Energy’s Tormywheel wind farm to demonstrate the self-installation of the company’s new, modular tripod tower.
The 6MW adds to the company’s pipeline of UK demonstration projects.
The 6MW prototype will also provide a scaled-up version of SENSEWind’s 2MW turbine installation demonstrator, planned for the first half of 2025, also at Tormywheel.
SENSEWind said the new demo is intended to provide a platform to move from development to a commercial SENSE installation and service system, which uses a remote-controlled machine ‘carriage’ working in combination with cranes during construction, for the onshore wind sector in 2027 and offshore by 2030.
The UK-based company added it will also serve to refine the logistics, transport and installation of the new tower design which features an integrated rail system that promises “notable cost savings” by being fabricated from standard steel pipe widely used in the oil and gas industry.
Pipe connectors supplied by GMC are used to quickly join the tower sections together during installation, doing away with flange connections and “eliminating costly regular inspection and maintenance of tower bolted joints”.
SENSEWind Chairman Julian Brown said: “Fundamentally, the SENSE system provides the means to install the turbine rotor nacelle, undertake major component repair and all O&M operations without the need for super-size expensive cranes and crane vessels.
“Safety is at the forefront of the SENSE system. Installation is carried out under automated remote control without the need for personnel working under suspended loads. SENSE service platforms can be attached to the tower rail system to provide safe working systems during service and inspections throughout the turbine life.”
Muirhall Energy CEO and SENSEWind board member Chris Walker said: “The 6MW SENSEWind demonstration project, with its new tower design, solves one of the wind industry’s greatest challenges in the coming decades – how to economically transport and build large turbines with tall towers on remote sites.
“We are proud to support SENSEWind’s innovation journey with our test site at Tormywheel and believe the project will be a giant leap forward for the wind sector.”
Brown added: “By solving the tower logistical and cost challenge, we see the SENSE solution being used on tall-tower onshore wind projects, as well as on fixed-bottom offshore wind projects as a competitive alternative to extra-large monopiles. The design is also easily integrated into the structure of many of the leading floating foundation concepts.”
SenseWIND is seeking additional investment from interested parties to bring this latest innovation to market.