Multi rotor wind turbine systems : an exploration of failure rates and failure classification

The Multi-Rotor System (MRS) is a proposed solution to the increasing costs associated with the manufacture and maintenance of large single-rotor wind turbines. The MRS consists of many small rotors that can capture the same amount of energy as a large turbine but with the added benefits of standardization, reduced system loads, and improved reliability due to the redundancy of components and smaller size. However, modelling the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the MRS presents several challenges, including a lack of available failure data. This work aims to determine, what failure rate reduction, can MRS be competitive with equivalent single-rotor wind farms, using existing single-rotor turbine data as a baseline. The key failure components are identified through the use of a cost-based comparison parameter. Statistical and theoretical approaches are then used to analyse the impact of fatigue on failure rates for downscaled turbines, to determine if the required reduction in failure rate is feasible. Using a case study, the sensitivity of availability, operational expenditure, and lost revenue to failure rates is also determined

Floating offshore wind farm installation, challenges and opportunities : a comprehensive survey

The deployment of floating offshore wind farms marks a pivotal step in unlocking the vast potential of offshore wind energy and propelling the world towards sustainable energy solutions. Despite the compelling prospects of floating wind technology, its implementation is challenging. Complex installation procedures, associated high costs, and evolving regulations can hinder widespread adoption. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and cost reduction. This paper delves into the technical, operational, and economic aspects of floating offshore wind farm installation, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art. The analysis goes beyond simply describing the current landscape by critically examining the complexities involved in floating offshore wind farm installation. It identifies critical research areas for advancing floating wind technology towards broader adoption and greater efficiency. The findings underscore the critical need for standardised foundation designs, advanced installation methods, and robust collaboration between academia and industry. By fostering such collaboration, for example, by creating research consortiums or knowledge-sharing platforms, the floating wind industry can accelerate advancements and unlock its full potential as a clean and sustainable energy source

Adaptations of offshore wind operation and maintenance models for floating wind

This paper presents the key operations & maintenance (O&M) modelling inputs for fixed-bottom wind (FBW) and highlights the adaptations required for floating offshore wind (FOW) uses. The work also highlights major repair strategies such as tow to shore (T2S) and discusses the limitations and constraints which arise in an operational context. The technical and economic feasibility of such O&M strategies requires rethinking of weather risks and constraints, new vessel technologies and operational costs. The work also collates and reviews existing FBW models which have been adapted for FOW uses and analyses O&M inputs for a tow to shore operation. Findings show that there is ambiguity in literature for tug speeds and disconnection/reconnection times of the turbine system. A performed case study investigates the sensitives of both parameters through a weather window analysis of ScotWind sites. Recommendations for future practises, including additional O&M modelling considerations and inputs for FOW uses are given

A review of operations and maintenance modelling with considerations for novel wind turbine concepts

New wind turbine technologies and designs are being explored in order to reduce the cost of energy from offshore wind farms. Two potential routes to a lower cost of energy are the XRotor Concept (XRC) and Multi-Rotor System (MRS) turbines. A key cost saving for both Novel concepts included in this paper is operation and maintenance (O&M) costs savings. The major component replacement cost for conventional horizontal axis, XRC and MRS turbines are examined and the benefits of the concepts are provided in this paper. A review on existing decision support systems for offshore wind farm O&M planning is presented with a focus on how applicable these previous models are to novel turbine concepts, along with analysis of how the influential factors can be modified to effectively model XRC and MRS

Operation and maintenance modelling for multi rotor systems : bottlenecks in operations

Abstract: As the installed capacity of individual turbines increases, so do costs associated with manufacture and maintenance. One proposed solution to this problem is the Multi-Rotor System (MRS) which utilises many small rotors to yield the same energy capture as a single large turbine. The operational advantage of the MRS is the built in redundancy between rotors on the same structure. However, despite this advantage, an increase in number of components is likely to result in an increase in transfers. This work examines the balance between additional crew and vessel requirements for such a structure against the expected savings in downtime due to redundancy and small rotor power rating. Three scenarios are analysed to determine the distribution of the failures which contribute to downtime. The study aims to find the optimal vessel fleet which limits downtime without drastically increasing direct operational expenditure (OpEx). As site size increases, the impact of global failures, which shut down the whole asset, is lessened. However, there is a significant increase in the number of vessels required to reduce downtime t

Multi rotor wind turbine systems : an exploration of failure rates and failure classification

The Multi-Rotor System (MRS) is a proposed solution to the increasing costs associated with the manufacture and maintenance of large single-rotor wind turbines. The MRS consists of many small rotors that can capture the same amount of energy as a large turbine but with the added benefits of standardization, reduced system loads, and improved reliability due to the redundancy of components and smaller size. However, modelling the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the MRS presents several challenges, including a lack of available failure data. This work aims to determine, what failure rate reduction, can MRS be competitive with equivalent single-rotor wind farms, using existing single-rotor turbine data as a baseline. The key failure components are identified through the use of a cost-based comparison parameter. Statistical and theoretical approaches are then used to analyse the impact of fatigue on failure rates for downscaled turbines, to determine if the required reduction in failure rate is feasible. Using a case study, the sensitivity of availability, operational expenditure, and lost revenue to failure rates is also determined.Bundesministerium für Bildung und ForschungPeerReviewe

Fortissat Science Alliance podcast: Conor McKinnon and Jade McMorland

The first of two episodes both on Wind Energy. This week we interviwed Connor and Jade from the University of Strathclyde who are both doing degrees in wind energy. Here is a video about how an Offshore Wind Farm is made of off the coast of The Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQwgXrb3XP