An innovative turbine installation technology first developed for offshore wind applications could significantly reduce the cost of large-scale onshore projects, according to a new study.
The SENSE (Self-Erecting Nacelle & Service) concept, from UK innovator SENSEWind, will deliver savings of around 8% on a leading Scottish onshore wind farm development and potentially up to 14% at other more complicated sites, the modelling found.
The study, carried out by consultancy Natural Power, using data from SENSEWind and developer Muirhall Energy, quantified the savings of the SENSE system when compared to a conventional tower and crane system for a typical Scottish site under development.
SENSE technology uses a unique self-installing system to transport the turbine’s Rotor Nacelle Assembly (RNA) to the top of a specially made tower with an innovative carriage system.
The study shows that an 8.1% reduction in overall levelised cost of energy (LCOE) is achievable for Muirhall’s proposed Teviot wind farm in Scotland when adopting the SENSE system.
CEO and founder of SENSEWind Patrick Geraets said: “We estimate this will save the Teviot project over £40m in reduced CapEx and OpEx over its operational life, as well as increasing turbine availability and energy production through faster and safer maintenance operations and, if necessary, rapid major component replacements.”
Natural Power undertook a corresponding sensitivity assessment for a more simple site, where the relative economic benefits of the SENSE system are expected to be reduced and a more complex site, where the relative economic benefit of the SENSE system is expected to be particularly beneficial. Under these conditions, the analysis demonstrates a 4.6%-14.2% reduction in LCOE. “Across a range of sites the SENSE system delivers cost benefits, but these are particularly pronounced for complex sites,” according to the report.
The Natural Power analysis employed an internal CAPEX model and a modified implementation of the NREL WOMBAT model for OPEX modelling.
CEO and founder of Muirhall Energy Chris Walker said the company had been investing in SENSEWind for over 3 years, supporting the development of the technology. “The results of this latest study clearly demonstrate our investment is paying off, and we are now looking at how to implement the SENSE system on our projects together with wind turbine suppliers.”
The SENSE system consists of:
- A modular tower design involving a lattice structure for the bottom section and with tubular steel upper sections.
- The tower includes an integrated rail system to which a carriage can be attached which provides the means for the tower to “self erect” and enables the Rotor Nacelle Assembly (RNA), to be raised and lowered on the side of the tower.
- Working platforms which are attached to the rails integrated into the tower structure support inspections, maintenance, and major component replacement operations.
The study noted: “Collectively, these elements remove the requirement for large cranes for both installation and major maintenance operations. By relying on smaller, cheaper and more widely available cranes rather than less common larger cranes, the SENSE system could reduce installation time, reduce mobilisation costs, minimize downtime and therefore lower LCOE.”
The concept has been successfully demonstrated on a Vestas V27 wind turbine and is in development for a modern large scale wind turbine.
The up to 350MW Teviot wind farm, due to begin operating around 2033, will use turbines in the 6-8MW range with associated tall towers and tip heights up to 240m.
The study concluded: “The SENSE system has been rigorously modelled using a set of assumptions that are representative of a modern onshore wind farm development, using the Teviot Wind Farm as a representative example. A range of differing operating models has been assessed, demonstrating that the SENSE system is capable of reducing both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX), while simultaneously increasing net energy generation.”
ENDS
Contacts:
Patrick Geraets – pgeraets@sensewind.com 07770478492
Sandra Eager – seager@sensewind.com 07817786327
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Notes
About SENSEWind
SENSEWind Limited (SWL) is a tech innovation company developing solutions for the wind industry to enable rapid turbine installation and major maintenance of large wind turbines. With the development of the SENSE concept (Self Erecting Nacelle & Service System), SENSEWind aims to drive down costs and increase the commercial viability of more wind projects across the globe, both onshore and offshore. By design, the concept reduces project risk and scales at the speed of turbine innovation – the larger and more remote wind turbines become, the more value the SENSE concept provides. The SENSE concept has been successfully demonstrated with an onshore turbine in N. Ireland and larger onshore demonstration projects are in planning for Scotland. For more information visit www.sensewind.com.
About Muirhall Energy
Founded in 2009, Muirhall Energy has almost two decades of experience developing onshore wind projects in the UK. To date we have delivered over 150MW of constructed renewable energy projects with a future pipeline of at least 4.5GW across all development stages. Established in South Lanarkshire, and operating across the UK, we have grown to become one of the most successful independent renewable energy developers in the country. Through our future project pipeline we expect to invest roughly £1.6Bn in the UK’s economy. For further information please visit: www.muirhallenergy.co.uk.