OUR TECHNOLOGY
SENSE WORKS
SENSEWind has built a working demonstrator of the SENSE Up-Tower system. This video shows it in action installing a full rotor nacelle assembly from the base up.
KEY ADVANTAGES of SENSE
SENSE removes project design constraints
No water depth limitations: SENSE works equally well with fixed or floating foundations.
Uses standard vessels and harbour facilities for O&M offshore.
Uses standard cranes for large turbines and difficult terrain onshore.
SENSE removes turbine technology constraints
Deploy new technology earlier: new turbine designs with limited track record can be specified for projects because SENSE allows for quick and easy component replacement which reduces downtime risk and repair costs.
Maintenance philosophy change: with SENSE, planned exchange and factory refurbishment of the Rotor Nacelle Assembly (RNA) becomes a viable strategy.
SENSE improves construction and operation
Flexible and more reliable: utilise shorter weather windows for predicable construction and operations planning
Simpler, faster and safer: automated heavy lift involves fewer operations, less risk, less down time and earlier revenue generation
HOW THE SENSE SYSTEM WORKS
At the heart of the SENSE System is the RNA Installer. The RNA Installer consists of a transport carriage equipped with power supply and automatic controls to lift the RNA up the tower. Once installed, retrieval of the transport carriage allows its use on the next turbine.
Floating offshore wind
The SENSE Self Erect Tower is being designed for use on floating wind foundations, allowing the complete floating unit to be assembled in harbour without a large crane.
The transport carriage and rotor nacelle assembly (RNA) are installed at the base of the tower at the harbour. The unit is then towed to the wind farm location. Once in position and anchored, the SENSE RNA Installer transports and secures the rotor nacelle assembly to the top of the tower.
Fixed offshore wind
A standard construction vessel equipped with the SENSE Vessel-to-Tower Transfer System transports the RNA and SENSE transport carriage to the preinstalled tower.
When close to the tower, the rotor nacelle assembly is transferred to the base of the tower in one rapid operation. The construction vessel is then free to move away quickly. The SENSE RNA Installer then transports and secures the rotor nacelle assembly to the top of the tower.
‘One piece’ towers can be transported and installed cost effectively onto fixed foundations using a large floating crane vessel. Alternatively, the SENSE Self Erect tower can be used.
Onshore wind
The nacelle, hub and blades are transported to site as normal. A standard mobile crane assembles the transport carriage with rotor nacelle assembly to the base of the tower. The SENSE RNA Installer then transports and secures the rotor nacelle assembly to the top of the tower.
The SENSE Self Erect Tower is being designed for use onshore, allowing installation without a large crane.
RESULTS FROM THE INNOVATE UK STUDY
The North Sea Giant is a typical construction vessel which could be used to deploy SENSE
Modelling response, showing that SENSE can transfer a 700 t Rotor Nacelle Assembly from the vessel to the tower base in sea states typical of the North Sea
Turbine installation using conventional methods for a 1200 MW North Sea project
Turbine installation for the same 1200MW north sea project under identical weather conditions using SENSE
RESULTS FROM THE INNOVATE UK STUDY
The North Sea Giant is a typical construction vessel which could be used to deploy SENSE
Modelling response, showing that SENSE can transfer a 700 t Rotor Nacelle Assembly from the vessel to the tower base in sea states typical of the North Sea
Turbine installation using conventional methods for a 1200 MW North Sea project
Turbine installation for the same 1200MW north sea project under identical weather conditions using SENSE