Floating wind turbines, rather than bottom-fixed turbine, provides better wind conditions, are installed far out to the sea, without disruption to shipping, fishing, and less damage to the seabed. However, there are some difficulties to overcome. The ocean isn’t a friendly place. Although floating turbines don’t need to be driven into the ground, they still have to be transported long distances, and attached using mooring cables. It’s dangerous and difficult work, which is often delayed by bad weather, and a lack of specialized equipment and manpower.
A startup in Norway called WindFlip has an innovative idea by using a lightweight barge to float the turbine horizontally to the site, and then erect it by letting in water at one end, allowing the turbine to rise into the air, with the device still attached. Once securely tethered, the WindFlip is then filled with air, releasing it again to the water, ready for the next installation. Although still a prototype, WindFlip potentially allows developers to reach sites more quickly, and to install turbines without needing crane equipment. WindFlip can travel at about 8 knots, compared with a vertically driven barge for only one knot, because of the drag in the water. The company hopes their designs will be used in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Japan, where the ocean is either too deep for bottom-fixed turbines, or where geological conditions make floating structures more attractive.
We also recommend watching: "Saul Griffith: Kites Tap Wind Energy" and "Theo Jansen: Building New Creatures".
WindFlip is an innovative technology company based in Stavanger, Norway. With its novel technology WindFlip strives to deliver transportation and installation solutions in the global emerging market of offshore floating wind power.
Windflip: Floating Wind Turbines for Easy Installation
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