A new self-erecting nacelle system (Sense) could cut the cost of energy by 9% at future deep water offshore wind sites and 4% at current sites in relatively shallow water, according to a new study.
The £200,000 Innovate UK Energy Catalyst study carried out detailed engineering analysis on the Sense system, which is expected to be commercially available in 2021.
The study found that the Sense system could cut about €125m from the capital expenditure on a €5.1bn, 1.2GW wind farm in waters in excess of 70 metres and save €28.5m a year in operating expenditure.
At a shallower large, site where water depths are similar to North Sea projects currently being built with jack-ups, Sense could save €84m in CapEx and €10m in OpEx a year, it found.
Sense Offshore is developing the technology, which would mean large jack-ups and crane vessels are not needed to install the turbine nacelle and rotor or for maintenance including the change out of major components.
Sense said the system would transport a pre-assembled and tested rotor nacelle assembly on board a large multi-purpose construction vessel.
The Sense transportation carriage would then carry the turbine to the top of the tower on rails. The process is reversible for maintenance and replacement, it added.
Sense Offshore managing director Patrick Geraets said the company is planning the next stage of development to bring its technology to market within four years.
“To do this we need to significantly accelerate the pace of development, for which we need both investment and industrial partners,” he said.
The company is looking to add to an Innovate UK Energy Catalyst application that is currently under way for an award of up to £1.5m.
The project would carry out detailed design and engineering and onshore scale tests to demonstrate the Sense system in preparation for undertaking a full-scale test offshore, he said.
The Innovate UK Study was carried out for Sense Offshore by a team of contractors including GBG, PHG Consulting, Industrial Systems and Control, BVG Associates, Knowtra and James Fisher Marine Services.
Image: Sense Offshore
