SENSEwind is developing a new system for installing and maintaining wind turbines to reduce the cost of wind energy.

The SENSE system installs turbines on both onshore and offshore projects – anywhere – without large cranes or jack up crane vessels. During operation, it can be used in reverse to rapidly exchange complete rotor nacelle assemblies for repair and makes easy work of inspections and maintenance of blades and towers. SENSE equipment is modular, uses standard readily available cranes and vessels, improves safety and reduces technical and programme risks.

SENSE reduces costs across the value chain and throughout project life.

A twelve-month Innovate UK Energy Catalyst study completed in September 2017 confirmed the technical feasibility and cost saving potential of the innovative SENSE turbine installation and maintenance system.

In September 2018, together with our partners, we commenced design work on the two primary elements of SENSE – the Vessel to Tower transfer system and the Up Tower transfer system with support from the UK Government Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Energy Entrepreneur scheme.

This funding phase also includes the design, development and construction of a scale demonstrator that uses the SENSE System to erect a modified Vestas V27 wind turbine. In addition to the practical demonstrator, SENSE Wind has developed a comprehensive cost model that enables a direct comparison between the costs of using the SENSE System against current methods for on and offshore projects.

• SENSE equipment is modular and designed to mount on a standard construction vessel.
• a simple mechanical interface allows SENSE to be used with any turbine design.
• automated lifting controls means no human interaction during heavy load transfer operations.
• SENSE allows rapid turbine installation and major maintenance on tall onshore towers and deep-water offshore sites, including floating foundation technology.
• SENSE equipment is cheap enough to be retained by a project for use throughout the operational life.

A twelve-month Innovate UK Energy Catalyst study confirms a saving of 12% on LCoE for a deep water offshore water site.