Wind energy – U.S.A.
Offshore wind in the US will soon face a challenge with the logistics of the WTG components, as the installation method from the EU and the rest of the world cannot be used in the US due to The Jones Act.
Eltronic Wind Solutions (now part of ENABL) and FORCE Technology have developed the solution: the ENABL Load Stabilizer, for lifting offshore wind turbine generator (WTG) components from floating barge to jack-up vessel.
This project will optimize the utilization of the costly jack-up vessels by reducing the time in port and in transit between port and installation site. With this solution, it is also possible to comply with The Jones Act in the US. The project is supported by EUPD (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme).
“The solution is unique because it is based on passive systems that use a minimum of energy and at the same time can be operated in higher winds/waves than any other system on the market,” says Thomas Hedegaard, CEO of ENABL.
The ENABL Load Stabilizer system is capable of operating sea states with significant wave heights of 2.5 meter. This is feasible due to a combination of a quick release clamp system and a variable load passive heave compensator. This ensures that the WTG component is lifted away from the barge without the risk of re-contact between the barge and WTG component.
Furthermore, the crane and the WTG component are loaded in a safe and controlled manner without large dynamic impacts loads on the crane. The new solution is developed by using already well-known solutions in the offshore oil industry combined with new developments from ENABL to meet the requirements. Increased operation window for barge feeder system and reduced operation time for the reloading process will provide substantial benefits for the customers.