Novel two-bladed wind turbine could complement power generation

In order to drive the energy transition forward in the long term, we must continue to find areas on which we can build solar and wind power plants. Especially with the latter type of power generation, controversial discussions quickly erupted. Only recently it was debated whether the distance rules for wind turbines in Bavaria are still up to date or even block the expansion of renewable energy generation methods.

Another solution could be to use areas that have not yet been developed for wind power. These are bodies of water that are prone to strong winds. The problem is that the weather there is also relatively unstable and systems quickly reach their limits. Petrofac, a company from London, now wants to have found a solution here.

Because the group, which takes care of the development, construction and operation of power plants, has teamed up with Seawind Ocean Technology from Amsterdam and would like to install wind turbines with two rotor blades in the near future. Because the construction devised by the company should be particularly stable and can therefore be optimally used in the locations mentioned at the beginning.

In order for this to work, the turbine should have a rocking joint, which should reduce the load on the construction during stronger waves. At the same time, installation is comparatively easy, only a floating concrete structure is required for the new wind turbines.

The manufacturer promises a service life of 50 years and a rated output of 6.2 megawatts. The construction can be used from a water depth of 50 meters and can withstand wind speeds of up to 137 meters per second. Even cyclones are said not to pose a major problem for the technology.

The systems are to be installed in European waters by the first quarter of 2024 and, following initial testing, will also be used on a larger scale. In this way, a good alternative could be created that may also one day contribute to our power supply.

Via Electrek