Floating Wind Turbine? Of Course.
Posted by Weiss Bros on 9th Jan 2018
Clean power has been a topic around the world for many years now. Recent reports indicate that wind power has become cheaper than nuclear power for the first time ever. That means companies are finding cheaper ways and places to put wind turbines and some of that cost savings can be attributed to the crane industry.
Cranes have been helping humans build large structures and move heavy objects for many years. The industry has be innovative in order to stay ahead of demand and the curve that comes a long with the advancements in technology. Recently, we featured a floating crane and that was quite interesting to say the least. Today, we are talking about a floating wind turbine design that has been erected for the first time in France.
The first ever, floating wind turbine, FloatGen, has been designed, engineered and put into place on it's floating platform all with the help of a few cranes. The 2MW V80 wind turbine was lifted into place with a 1,200 ton crane. The lift included all of the components, which included two tower sections, a nacelle, a hub and 3 blades. Because of the size of the tower pieces, another, 100 ton crane was required to lift in tandem.
One of the questions that you are likely to have about this project is how the base stayed in one place during the entire operation. Well, ALE performed foundation ballasting operations during the time things were being lifted into place. The ballasting was made possible with tanks on the platform and 4 pumps that moved water into each of them as needed in order to keep everything upright. This, of course, added a new element to the operation.
As soon as the turbine was mounted on top of the tower, the electronics and cables could be installed, along with the sensors needed to keep an eye on everything. The unique was complex and a first for the company, according to the project manager.
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