Wind Energy – Installation vessel
RWE has signed a letter of intent with WindSpider, a Norwegian-based company that is developing a new modular self-erecting crane system for the offshore wind market.
To improve operability and scalability for turbine installation as well as major component replacements, the WindSpider solution uses the tower of the wind turbine as part of the crane. With an effective lifting capacity of more than 1,200 metric tons and by eliminating relative motion between crane and tower, the design is well placed to be able to support the next generation of turbines. The solution also has the potential to allow maintenance of floating wind turbines and the replacement of major components at sea.
The WindSpider attaches to the tower and moves up and down using mast sections. At each step upwards, the crane lifts the next or wanted section of the tower or turbine, including the rotor blades in place.
When it’s all done, the WindSpider reverses the process back to the starting point at the base and is lifted off.
With an effective lifting capacity of more than 1,200 metric tons and by eliminating relative motion between crane and tower, the design is well placed to be able to support the next generation of 20 MW+ wind turbines, according to WindSpider.
The solution also has the potential to allow the maintenance of floating wind turbines and the replacement of major components at sea, the companies said.
Phillipa Slater, Director Engineering of RWE Renewables said: “RWE is one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, and we actively promote innovation across our global fleet. With our expertise and technical know-how, we are excited to explore potential collaboration with WindSpider and to further develop the concept design.”
“We are very pleased with this opportunity to collaborate with RWE. This will allow for increased momentum in the ongoing development of our technology,” said Kent Lynggaard Vinkel, CEO of WindSpider.
