PES Wind 2 2020

TALKING POINT Boost for online trade in wind energy Online-Shopping for wind turbine spare parts Source: windsourcing/ istock/serts Words: S tefan Weber, Windsourcing.com GmbH Online trade is the big winner of the Corona crisis. This also applies to the spare parts and repair market for wind turbines. A Hamburg company, a pioneer in this niche in 2013, is now gaining momentum despite, or because of Corona. Stefan Weber, Founder and Managing Director of Windsourcing. com GmbH, shares his thoughts with PES on how the foundation of a digital trading company came about and how much more importance digitization has gained among the broad masses in the context of the Corona crisis. 52 PES WIND

TALKING POINT I am an Amazon fan. Please do not external purchaser and consultant for wind Stefan Weber misunderstand me. It is completely farm operators. What was missing was a unacceptable not to pay sales tax from Asian platform where you could get everything win two important chemical companies - suppliers in Germany and to pay little if any from one source - fast and uncomplicated, BASF from Ludwigshafen (today Akzo Nobel) company tax at all. No, I am a fan of focusing like Amazon. Okay, this is about a very special and Sika with headquarters in Baar, on the customers and their benefits: the market, a niche. But the spare parts market in Switzerland - as supply partners. These punctual and fast delivery and using the the wind industry has also grown to a major players and their portfolios play a distribution channel Internet. This billion-euro market worldwide over the last decisive role, especially in the areas of rotor enthusiasm has driven me already in 2013 20 years. With the additions made in the last blade repair and corrosion protection. when I founded Windsourcing.com. It was ten to twelve years and various plans around clear to me that digitalization does not stop the world, this development will continue and One year later, we first offered product at renewable energies and here the industry the market will become even more training courses for corrosion protection and the entire energy industry can learn a lot interesting. But how do you serve this high together with Sika Germany, which was very from Amazon and Co. demand, which is quite specific in the details? well accepted by our customers. It is not only here, by the way, that we combine the new Prior to the foundation of the company, I had Windsourcing.com was and is our answer to online business with the strength of the ‘old’ already been working for many years as this question. We have dedicated ourselves over-the-counter retail trade, which entirely to the trade and distribution of spare distinguishes us from anonymous platforms parts and repair materials for wind turbines. like Amazon: We can always be approached We mainly use the internet as a sales and personally, in five languages, either by phone distribution channel. or e-mail. In 2017, our sales rose to over 1 million euros for the first time. Today, we The reason for our success lies in our have well over 50,000 products from more constant efforts to make it as easy as than 300 supply partners - and the trend is possible for our customers to procure what rising rapidly. We receive a large number of they need to purchase. The key to our orders daily and already sell to all wind success is a comprehensive product markets in Europe. portfolio from a variety of suppliers, an uncomplicated ordering process including an In November 2019 and July 2020 online ordering option via our online store respectively, we hired two new employees and reliable information on delivery times. If specifically for the Spanish and French- we are not able to deliver in a time requested speaking markets. Outside of Europe, we by the customer, we will inform the customer regularly deliver to Japan and to many other before, not after the order! countries. After the data transfer of product information, merchandise management and We want to serve our customers as fast as customer communication were both digital online distributors in the B2C sector, which is from the very beginning, another important not unique in the B2B environment, but still and consistent step was the setup of our B2B an exception. We want to process inquiries online shop in February 2020. and orders promptly; a customer should not wait more than one to two hours for a With the launch of the wide-ranging online response. We often wait days, if not weeks, shop, we were now able to seamlessly for information from our suppliers. transfer the entire information and purchasing process to the digital world. During the delivery process we also follow standard processes in online trade. If, for The corona crisis as accelerator mechanism example, goods were sent with a parcel service, the customer automatically receives Then arrived Corona and the world was in an e-mail with the tracking number and can many ways a different one. However, not so check the status of the goods delivery in the online business. Covid-19 has independently. This approach has worked massively accelerated the transformation very well so far, although the challenges for a processes that were and are pending new distributor were and still are manifold, especially because we are ‘bootstrapped’, that means we are built without outside capital and investor money. Another industrial giant serves as a model for us in meeting this challenge: Toyota. Their principle is to minimize wastage. So, we are also constantly working on optimizing our processes, creating the necessary structures and reducing costs. How did Windsourcing come about and how did we evolve? The principle seems to work, if you consider our relatively young company history: We started in 2013 with one or two orders per month. Within a year, we have more than quintupled our product portfolio from 2,300 to over 12,000 items. In 2015, we were able to WWW.PESWIND.COM 53

TALKING POINT Warehouse Source: Windsourcing/ istock/urfinguss anyway, especially in retail, and has cleaned In June 2020, Windsourcing.com even continuing the successful results from the up the market in some areas. Companies recorded its strongest month of sales since first half of 2020. that were well positioned online are barely its foundation. So, the chosen strategy is affected by the Corona crisis and are usually proving to be far-sighted, particularly in the So, there is still a lot to do: Plans are even profiting. current situation. It is now becoming even underway to expand the product portfolio clearer than before Corona that we are and intensify relationships with customers The first six months of 2020 were successful responding to a very large demand on the and suppliers. For example, we are not yet for us. We were able to increase our sales market with our digital services. Our able to deliver quickly to every destination in compared with the first half of 2019. State aid approach - since the beginning - to offer Europe, and we want to make improvements, was not necessary for the company. We were various products for the wind industry especially in the hazardous goods sector. In able to add other supply partners, such as exclusively online, thus making information addition, we want to use our pioneering coating material manufacturers Bergolin and goods directly available to customers in position in the market to further promote from Osterholz-Scharmbeck in Lower many important wind markets worldwide, digitization within the industry. For us, it has Saxony or Mankiewicz from Hamburg, to our has proven to be right. We will continue to once again been confirmed that only a portfolio and further expand our pursue this path consistently and expand complete digitization of business processes international business. is truly up-to-date and meets the current needs of customers around the globe. Unfortunately, we repeatedly find that only a few companies in the wind industry have fully automated and digitized processes to date, such as automated notification of delivery delays. I would therefore like to encourage all players in the industry to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital processes. After all, digitized structures play a crucial role if the energy turnaround is to succeed. We all will have to put a lot of effort into these processes, but it is inevitable and necessary. www.windsourcing.com Contact us: Stefan Weber, Founder and Managing Director Windsourcing.com GmbH [email protected] 54 PES WIND



THINK TANK Figure 1. Hydraulic pitch system. Source: HINE Failure modes in offshore wind turbines: pitch systems The reliability of an offshore wind turbine and the resources required to maintain it can make up ~30% of the overall cost of energy, thus determining and understanding offshore wind turbine failure rates is vital for modelling and reducing O&M costs and in turn minimizing the levelized cost of energy (LCoE). 56 PES WIND

THINK TANK Figure 2 Pitch/hydraulic failure modes. Source: “Failure rate, repair time and unscheduled O&M cost analysis of reported in 2015 by Carroll et al.1, shows that offshore wind turbines” as a subsystem, the hydraulic pitch system can be kept in working order by means of One of the main optimization challenges that the levelized cost of energy (LCoE). regular maintenance, with most repairs offshore wind faces is the cost of Operation consisting of a change or top-up of oil, the and Maintenance activities, especially Even if the documentation on offshore failure cleaning of sludge accumulated on a sensor, because of the difficulties associated with rates is rather poor in the past, some recent the fixing of a leak or the replacement of a access for maintenance. The reliability of an analyses have already identified the most valve, accumulator or pump, as shown by offshore wind turbine and the resources critical components for the failure rate of Figure 2. However, the hydraulic system is required to maintain it can make up ~30% of wind turbines. responsible for blade pitch angle control and the overall cost of energy, thus determining drivetrain and yaw system braking. and understanding offshore wind turbine ‘Failure rate, repair time and unscheduled failure rates is vital for modelling and O&M cost analysis of offshore wind turbines’, Therefore, a hydraulic system failure, reducing O&M costs and in turn minimizing an analysis of ~350 modern multi MW scale although likely simple and cheap to repair, offshore wind turbines over a five year period can critically impact turbine availability and loads if it remains undetected. A paper published by Jesper Liniger et al.2 takes a root-cause-based approach, applies it specifically to hydraulic pitch systems and provides a design tool for risk evaluation in the early design phase to facilitate qualitative analysis of reliability. The tool calculates a Risk Priority Number 1 ‘Failure rate, repair time and unscheduled O&M cost analysis of offshore wind turbines.’ Article in Wind Energy · August 2015. Authors: James Car- roll, David Mcmillan & Alasdair Mcdonald 2 ‘Reliability Based Design of Fluid Power Pitch Sys- tems for Wind Turbines’. Research article. Authors: J esper Liniger, Mohsen Soltani, Henrik C. Pedersen, James Carroll, Nariman Sepehri WWW.PESWIND.COM 57

THINK TANK effect and criticality analysis (FMECA). A failure mode, effect and criticality analysis of a generic wind turbine hydraulic pitch system has been already carried out according to IEC 60812, in order to identify critical failure modes and to propose monitoring-based mitigation strategies for them. • The second block consists of the development of the CM strategy to face the prioritized failure modes. In this regard, key parameters to detect the identified failure modes and treatment of raw data in a real operation scenario have been defined. A hybrid model will be developed as a result of the combination of test and real operation data for failure diagnosis. DOCC-OFF proposes the use of pitch system variables set and measured by the Figure 3 Pitch system RPN distribution. Source: ‘Reliability based design of fluid power pitch systems for wind turbine control system, such as the turbines’ cylinder positions, the accumulator pressures and the hydraulic valve inputs to automatically diagnose hydraulic pitch (RPN), which is a measure of criticality for modes on the hydraulic pitch subsystem system failures. This can then be used to each failure mode of a system. The result of which may be made non-critical, or whose both send protective commands to the the RPN is the product of three factors: criticality may be reduced, via condition turbine control systems, e.g. to limit probability, severity, and probability of no monitoring, and to develop a digital platform power output, and plan maintenance detection; thus, a higher RPN indicates a to capture and manage the operating data to sorties more efficiently. The process is weaker spot in the system in terms of risk. In detect and predict the identified failure shown in Figure 5. this case, the RPN has been considered a modes in time. First of all, the signals to monitorize the measure of combining both turbine integrity identified failure modes are extracted and loss of production. The project tasks are divided into three main from the FMECA. All the required blocks shown in Figure 4 and summarized configuration and parameters regarding According to the ensuing analysis, an below: data collection and storage have been emergency shutdown fault in a single pitch considered to provide the platform with system seems to be the largest contributor • T he first block consists of the the information to perform the to the system RPN. This is understandable, identification of specific condition configuration management of the because turbine integrity can be monitoring opportunities within a typical hydraulic pitch system. These include compromised by operation with a faulty hydraulic pitch system, via a failure mode emergency shutdown circuit, since shutdown would not take place as designed in case of an emergency, and the authors do not consider Digitalization Of Critical Components such a fault detectable, since the shutdown in OFFshore wind turbines [DOCC-OFF] circuit does not do much during normal Objective: to identify the failure modes of a pitch/hydraulic system operation. An overview of the total system and to develop data-based analytical solutions RPN distribution is seen in Figure 3. The relevance of the hydraulic pitch system 1 Failure mode effect and criticality anlayis (FMECA) in the reliability of the wind turbines, pushed DOCC-OFF project partners to design a data monitoring and analysis system to increase the probability of detection of the critical failure modes. Reducing the HYDRAULIC probability of not detecting the failure in PITCH SYSTEM time will also reduce the RPN, whereby the 2 component will be less critical. Hybrid model: combination 3 of test and real operation data DOCC-OFF is an EU-funded project, in Development of the digital platform which 4 companies from Spain and Belgium are working to outline a condition monitoring strategy which may reduce the impact of some hydraulic pitch system failure modes on the wind turbine´s design With the contribution of the European Maritime load cases. and Fisheries Fund of the European Union Project 863696 – DOCC-OFF – EMFF-BlueEconomy-2018 In that sense, the consortium will be devoted Figure 4 Infographic of the DOCC-OFF project to identifying otherwise critical failure 58 PES WIND



THINK TANK ‘In a later stage, the developed digital platform will be validated in a testing site, and the opportunities to demonstrate the full integrated solution will be analysed.’ measurement frequencies and Figure 5 Hydraulic pitch system monitoring The experiences and developments acquired aggregation time period. Consequently, in the monitoring of the failure modes in a the treatment of raw data measured by described below: specific subsystem can be applied to other sensors is described in order to perform critical subsystems of wind turbines, relevant aggregations and to obtain the Validation specifications positioning DOCC-OFF as a best-practice appropriate format of data to be stored that can be replicated and scaled up to other and used. Feasibility for condition Requirements of the testing sites and systems within the wind turbine. monitoring in a real time operating different test-benches will be evaluated and scenario is seized through the defined, as well as validation technologies, The content of this article represents the views of specification, including availability of data tests to be carried out, results and the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it with commercial sensors and technical performance indicators. cannot be considered to reflect the views of the limitations regarding data retrieval and European Commission and/or the Executive manipulation. On the whole, the data Validation at system level Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises defined in this stage must ensure the (EASME) or any other body of the European Union. feasibility of the hybrid model that will be The solution will be validated on an existing The European Commission and the Agency do not developed in the next steps of the singular testing infrastructure. accept any responsibility for use that may be made DOCC-OFF project. of the information it contains System integration • T he third block consists of the www.doccoffproject.eu/es/ specification of a scalable and modular Different building blocks developed in the digital architecture to contain all the previous stage (models, sensors, efficient developments chased during the project communications, HPC architectures, secure and development of a digital platform that data transfer protocols, data analytics, etc.) will capture and manage data from the will be integrated. monitored components. Analysis at wind turbine level To develop this digital platform, a unique and new design system will be developed A technical and economic study of the to guarantee the flexibility and possible installation of instrumented customization process that will be component on wind turbine for validation needed. This will allow to reduce the during in field operations will be carried out. probability of not detecting the identified hydraulic pitch system failure modes in time, and therefore also the impact of them of on the wind turbine’s design load cases. Findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable data are qualities involved in the DOCCOFF data governance model. In addition, the digital architecture specified ensures essential attributes like scalability, maintainability, sturdiness and cybersecurity, among others. Each module covers a different duty in the data management process, from guaranteeing a communication flow and interactivity between the different data sources to the user interaction layer. In a later stage, the developed digital platform will be validated in a testing site, and the opportunities to demonstrate the full integrated solution will be analysed. This will be done in 4 different stages as 60 PES WIND

Spare parts and repair material for wind turbines. Directly from a single source. As a specialized distributor for the wind energy industry we supply all products for the maintenance and repair of wind turbines from one source only. Contact us: [email protected] +49 (0)40 98 76 88 00 WINDSOURCING.COM GmbH Lippeltstraße 1 D-20097 Hamburg, Germany Visit our online shop: www.windsourcing.com

TALKING POINT The importance of a change culture VOS Paradise. Credit Flying Focus If a leopard could not change its spots, it would have long been extinct had it been masquerading as a vessel owner in the offshore industry! ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.’ —Charles Darwin 62 PES WIND

TALKING POINT An inability to adapt to changing sustained oil-price crash, compounded by Change is definitely on the way, whether we surroundings has repeatedly been the the current global COVID-19 pandemic. like it or not! downfall of those incapable of moving These events have shone a critical light on forward. You only need to look at companies not just the way we do business, but on life as The offshore Oil & Gas market is well such as Kodak and Blockbuster to see what we know it – and this is not said lightly. The established, with tried and tested systems, can happen if you are unable or too slow to devastation from the pandemic has already procedures and infrastructure that have embrace change. left its mark on hundreds of thousands of been in place for decades. A mature industry individuals and families, whilst the economic with an experienced and well-oiled supply Bringing things closer to home, shipping in fallout from the current crisis will be deep, chain; one that has seen its fair share of good general and offshore specifically has been far-reaching and undoubtedly leave many times and bad, but also one bloated with hard hit over the past few years by a casualties in its wake. inefficiencies. At Vroon, we have witnessed WWW.PESWIND.COM 63

TALKING POINT VOS Sugar this first hand, having been active in the Vroon do not enjoy such longevity without we could complement our growing offshore- industry for more than 50 years. embracing change and recognising not only support vessel fleet and boost involvement the need for change, but also the opportune in all aspects of windfarm construction, from Take a typical cargo run in the North Sea. A moments at which to implement it. initial surveying and seabed clearance, vessel that cost millions of Dollars to build through installation to ongoing operational and has high running costs, crewed by highly The expansion of the offshore Renewable and maintenance support. skilled individuals, is instructed to proceed at sector provided an opportunity for change. best possible speed to a rig or platform. In Not only change on a macro level, in the way From a vessel owner’s perspective, this was order to achieve the ETA, the crew sails as energy is provided, but also an opportunity an opportunity not to be missed. While instructed, with all engines on line. The for vessel owners to review their modus crucial, our diverse fleet with a proven track vessel arrives, only to be told by the rig to operandi. Being open to chances and record, well positioned and able to wait on standby until the offshore team is embracing a new reality was crucial, coming contribute to our customers’ successes ready. All the while, this vessel is consuming as it did at a time when the traditional formed only part of the story. To be more fuel and costing more money. offshore Oil & Gas market was reeling from a successful, there needed to be an once-in-a-generation downturn. For those organisational culture conducive to This is just one example, but it is certainly not willing and able to move forward, the promoting and enabling change, whilst also isolated. Ask any crew member sailing on a fledgling offshore-wind industry presented highlighting the implications of a status quo. platform-supply vessel. The purpose of this an opportunity to diversify and embrace a Chartering a vessel against a day rate is not is not to point fingers, simply to highlight new market, new customers and a more always the best, most efficient solution for that efficiencies can be easily achieved and efficient way of working. our customers. these can benefit all stakeholders. Vroon took advantage of these Ultimately, as vessel owners, we are part of The winds of change opportunities, making a move into this niche an overall service, whether it be in the form of sector at the very start by purchasing a inspection, maintenance and repair, survey The Vroon Group has been active since the specialist wind-turbine-installation vessel work or transportation of personnel or late 1800s. A company that started life and engineering company. In this way, we equipment. These are all areas where we can transporting coal across the English Channel committed to making a significant add value. We aim to combine our experience has evolved into a global maritime company, contribution to the industry. Establishing a from a mature industry, like the Oil & Gas active in all shipping markets and boasting a fleet capable of installing windfarms, meant market, with a modern and capable fleet, fleet of around 140 vessels. Companies like 64 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Credit Flying Focus adding a fresh approach to how we can models have changed over the past few Diesel electric generators, hybrid increase the efficiency of our offering. years, we have also seen an explosion of new configurations, battery packs, as well as By partnering other, like-minded, forward- technologies, which will play a major part in hydrogen or methanol-based systems, are all thinking companies, we are able to provide a determining the future of our industry. Some available on the market, at varying degrees of complete, bespoke service package to our equipment, such as dynamic-positioning completeness. Other technologies have clients and ensure that they get much more systems and improved IT infrastructure, has been developed to provide ever-more than just a vessel against a day rate. We proved a real game changer for vessel efficient solutions, such as motion- guarantee true value at all levels. owners, while improved engine efficiencies compensated gangways and cranes, Whilst market dynamics and commercial help reduce running costs, as well as lowering autonomous remotely operated vehicles and potentially harmful emissions. fully automated bridges, potentially leading VOS Paradise bubble-curtain project to drastically fewer crew members being required to operate these highly complex and ever-evolving vessels. Recognising the opportunities that all these new technologies present and ensuring we are able to capitalise on them, will ensure we stay ahead of the curve and are seen as a partner of choice, able to contribute to the successes of our customers. Although we may be in the midst of a greater crisis than we have ever seen before, opportunities are still there to provide increased efficiencies for our clients, whether it be in the way we offer our services, the types of service we offer or the technologies we use to drive efficiencies. As has been mentioned before, change is on the way and if history has taught us anything, it is that we cannot afford not to change. Would you like to learn more about our diverse offshore-support vessels and services? Get in touch with our colleagues on [email protected]. www.vroon.nl WWW.PESWIND.COM 65

TALKING POINT Small vessels for large waves The daughter craft for wind farms far from shore Words: Trygve Espeland, Naval Architect, ESNA Over the last three years we have seen the introduction of purpose-built Service Offshore Vessels (SOV). These 70-100 m long vessels service wind farms, where a long distance to shore makes a land-based service organization impractical. Typically, 40-60 technicians live onboard the vessels and are transferred to the wind turbines with motion compensated walk-to-work gangways. A challenge for this operation is the efficiency of getting the technicians around the wind farm. The SOV transits at typically 10 knots and needs time for accurate positioning, to set out and also collect the personnel. 66 PES WIND

TALKING POINT This is the background for using daughter significant wave height and will therefore get the same time she should be able to craft. Deployed and retrieved by a davit limited weather windows. An alternative is to operate in a large weather window. An system onboard the SOV, she can use larger Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV) of offshore wind trend is that near-shore complement the gangway, shuttle between 25-30 meter length that can stay 24/7 in the CTVs are getting larger. Many of the first the SOV and turbines near and far wind farm, however, with significantly CTVs were catamarans of 15-16 meter throughout the wind farm. So far these increased cost, due to larger vessels with length, while now most newbuilds are daughter craft have been of similar type to more manning and the need for transfer to 20-28 meter length. The most evident existing small rescue crafts. Monohull, 10-12 the shore far away. reason for this is the required increased m in length and weight 8-15 tons. But these operational weather window with increased small vessels can transfer to the turbines in A daughter craft needs to be lightweight operational wave height. This is illustrated limited wave height, typically up to 1 to 1.2 m and small to operate from an SOV. But at in the following figure. WWW.PESWIND.COM 67

TALKING POINT Significant Wave height operability wave height [m] Near shore Far shore wind farm wind farm 1.0 50-60% 35% 1.5 75-80% 60% 2.0 85-90% 75% Using the mentioned wind farms as an The figure shows yearly statistics of wave height for some European wind farm locations. East Anglia and Irish example, this table shows typical weather Sea wind farms are mostly served by land-based CTVs, while Hornsea and Doggerbank are further offshore and windows for different operational wave served by SOVs. The plots show that if a vessel can operate at average 1.5 m significant wave height, she will heights. offer 75-80% operability in the near shore wind farms and 60% at Hornsea/Doggerbank. Wavelength and vessel motions waves’ are when the wavelength is longer figure illustrates this for vertical vessel than twice the length of the vessel. The next motions with an RAO plot. The operational wave height for a vessel is all about the seakeeping of the vessel, how it reacts with different types and directions of waves. It is especially important to understand how the wavelength compares to the vessel size, as this is defining for the physics of the vessel motions. This should be considered when selecting a vessel type. Doing this we are able to distinguish between ‘short waves’ and ‘long waves’, where ‘long The figure shows a typical RAO plot for vertical vessel motions. λ means wavelength and L means length of hull. The curve shows how much vertical motions the vessel gets compared to the height of the wave. If the value is 1 the vessel moves 1 meter if the wave height is 1 meter. This is typical for swell; long waves where the vessel floats like a cork plug. If the waves are short compared to the vessel the vessel moves little. If the waves are typically exactly twice the length of the vessel the motions can be exaggerated. These types of motions are typical for all kinds of floating vessels and shapes. 68 PES WIND

TALKING POINT The figure shows vertical motions of a typical 25 m CTV and 75 m SOV for different wavelengths. It clearly shows that at wavelengths that are typically 2 x vessel length the vessels float with the waves, e.g. value 1.0. It also shows that the SOV motions are favorable especially for wavelengths less than 100 meters. In the following RAO curves are calculated for As shown in the previous figures, the as the waves. a typical 25 m CTV and a 75 m SOV. dominating wave is ‘long’, meaning the vessels will primarily float up and down with ESNA has developed the Sea Puffin SES The typical way of describing waves is with a the wave period and with the same elevation daughter craft especially for this, as the active significant wave height and a wave period. SES motion damping can work very efficiently The significant wave height is the average of the ⅓ highest waves, and the wave period The figures show how the wave period matches with wavelength. Most wind farms have been built in relatively can be understood as the average time shallow water, while the floating wind farms and far from shore wind warms typically are in deeper water. With between each wave crest. This can be used a wave period of 7 seconds the wavelength in deep water is close to 80 meters. If just 5 meter depth the same to calculate the average wavelength, which wave is however shorter than 50 meters. also depends on depth. This is shown in the following figure. Generally near-shore wind farms are dominated by shallow draft and short periods of 4-6 s for relevant wave heights. The figure shows that this corresponds typically to 20-50 m wavelength, which has been shown in the calculation is favourable for > 25 m CTV, but might prove challenging for smaller vessels. Far from shore wind farms are dominated by longer periods 6-8 s and deep water, corresponding to 50-100 m wave length, which is more demanding for the 25 m CTVs but excellent for > 75 m SOVs. Daughter craft for large waves A main challenge for the offshore wind daughter craft is to safely access the offshore wind turbines in a wave climate that forces large vertical motions on the vessel. WWW.PESWIND.COM 69

TALKING POINT The figure shows SES motion damping. Side view, with the vessel pushing on to the yellow boat landing. Safe access means that the bow does not slide along the boat landing. The fan in the ‘nose’ blows air into the air cushion. The arrows show direction of airflow. In the wave through the outlet damper is closed and air pressure is increased in the air cushion to compensate for reduced buoyancy. At the right with the wave crest the inlet damper is closed to shut off air supply, while the outlet damper is opened to reduce the air cushion pressure. This system effectively removes 0.5-1.0 m vessel elevation and allows safe turbine access in larger wave heights. in such conditions. The vessel is 15 meters up to 80% of the vessel weight. With an in 2018. Since then the vessel has proven long and can be launched and recovered using actively controlled air damper the air very high operational efficiency. The conventional single-hook davits. cushion pressure can be varied between 0 motion damping concept is illustrated in and 80%, and this is used for active motion the above figures. The SES (Surface Effect Ship) has an air control when accessing the wind turbines. cushion between the two catamaran hulls, The vessel design was started in 2015, with The Sea Puffin 1 has successfully and with rubber sealing fore and aft the first of class Sea Puffin 1 delivered by demonstrated safe turbine access in 1.75 m between the hulls. An air fan creates an Esbjerg Shipyard A/S to owner WindPartner significant wave height. Measurements overpressure in this air cushion, that can lift were made by ESNA, and the trials were The figure shows measurements of vertical accelerations from zero speed sea trials with the Sea Puffin 1 in 1.5 m significant wave height. First the vessel floats normally, before the heave motion damping system is activated. The motions are significantly reduced. 70 PES WIND

TALKING POINT The Sea Puffin 1 demonstrating full air cushion lift. Without the air cushion the draught is just where the black antifouling meets the white side paint. financed by the Carbon Trust Offshore Wind farm Significant Wave peak Water depth Wavelength Slip % (max Wind Accelerator. Below table shows typical Wave Height period [s] [m] [m] 10) trial results, clearly illustrates the [m] differences in wavelength. Both trials are at 2% similar wave height, but with wavelengths Hywind 1.70 7.0 Deep 76 corresponding to shallow near shore wind Scotland 9% farms and far from shore deep water. The slip % is calculated using OWA’s P-Plot Horns Rev 2 1.75 4.7 9 - 17 Ca. 33 criteria. For the long waves the vessel’s bow was almost still, while for short waves the significantly larger CTVs of 22+ meters wind farm operations. motions were just within the OWA criteria length. She is in addition classed and can www.esna.no for safe transfer. transit to and from shore, providing both high www.seapuffin.no performances and flexibility for the offshore With an operational wave height of up to 1.75 m the expected annual operability in wind farms as Doggerbank and Hornsea for the Sea Puffin Daughter craft is around 70%. This is twice the operability of a conventional daughter craft that can transfer at 1.0 m Hs, and matches with the performances of The Sea Puffin 1 pushing on to an offshore wind turbine. View from the wheelhouse. WWW.PESWIND.COM 71

TALKING POINT Digital solutions for offshore windfarm cable protection and life extension Words: R ichard Beesley, Innovation and Business Development Director, Trelleborg Applied Technologies 72 PES WIND

TALKING POINT With the increasing trend toward cleaner energy sources, offshore wind technology plays a vital role in supporting the global transition to renewable energy. Development of shallow water locations is increasing in volume and pace, with the industry moving toward the more substantive wind energy resources that are found offshore in deeper waters, through the application and development of floating offshore platform technologies. By 2025, it is anticipated that close to 20,000 integrity of these cables can be monitored, it turbines with 250 plus offshore substations provides owners and operators with will have been installed offshore. Even with extremely valuable insight, enabling the development of larger turbines, these knowledge-based decision-making on quantities are expected to increase by a aspects such as: reliability and safety, factor of three plus by 2050*. operational parameters, risk mitigation, life extension and inspection frequency; all with Critical to their successful operation are the the end goal to reduce CAPEX and OPEX. subsea power cables that have the essential function of transmitting generated power Integrity monitoring through the use of fiber from the turbines to the substations optic cables along the power line, is an (electric hub of the windfarm), and then established methodology and provides the onward to shore. capability to monitor temperature, strain and vibration in order to identify potential Digitization in renewable energy vulnerable locations and areas of potential failure such as 3rd party intrusion, dropped Digital technology development continues at object impact damage, electrical arcing and a rapid pace, increasing in functionality and cable exposure. accessibility, while supporting gains in productivity, efficiency, visibility, and However, in critical locations where the cable informed decision making. With growing is directly exposed to harsh dynamic sea competition in renewable energy markets conditions, either by design or unexpectedly, and ever more remote and demanding a greater depth of accuracy in monitoring of deep-water conditions, the renewables motion and strain can often be necessary. To industry is looking at advanced digital provide this localized monitoring, dedicated solutions to enable new efficiencies and motion sensors can be located on the cable to maximize return on investment. continuously collect data that can be used to quantify the extreme and fatigue conditions The continued reliable performance of the cable is experiencing. subsea power cables is essential to avoid costly repairs, replacement, and lengthy Whilst continuous monitoring of these key downtime. Digital solutions that provide factors can provide the necessary insight to insight through continuous monitoring can support informed decision making in relation address existing design validation and to integrity management, it has not yet performance assurance challenges, become common place in the offshore wind presenting new opportunities for the industry. Historical negative experiences of integrity management of these critical users include difficulty attaching and offshore power cables and the realization of deploying the necessary hardware, limited new operating efficiencies. battery life, data inaccuracy and the overall cost of monitoring hardware, have hindered Key factors impacting integrity its wider adoption. management of offshore power cables A new approach to offshore power cable The key factors driving the design and monitoring longevity of an offshore power cable can vary depending on the environmental conditions, Recognizing the value that monitoring with the performance demands increasing as provides, Trelleborg’s applied technologies the industry identifies field locations that are operation is applying their in-depth further from shore and in deeper water knowledge and experience of cable locations. If the key factors impacting the protection in harsh dynamic conditions. It is WWW.PESWIND.COM 73

TALKING POINT Figure 1: Trelleborg’s dynamic Njord BS (Bend Figure 2: Trelleborg’s Tri-Strakes® powered by Mimir Figure 3: Trelleborg’s Mimir MC (Motion Clamp) Stiffener) powered by Mimir Digital Intelligence Digital Intelligence tackling the challenges holding back the The key features of Trelleborg’s Mimir Digital parallel acting manipulator jaw, in a single wider accessibility and adoption of Intelligence monitoring devices include: ‘locate-and-rotate’ actuation. monitoring offshore power cables, by simplifying the ROV or diver installation 1. Subsea Electronic Module (SEM) with 4. Attachment assurance process, and increasing technology reliability advanced sensor technology and endurance. Reliable attachment is vital to ensure the Modularly reconfigurable circuit board array SEM attachment arrangement stays locked The operation is offering a new approach to with over 20 advanced sensors capable of in position regardless of subsea offshore cable monitoring, by developing monitoring all cable motions and strains, environmental conditions, for the data digital monitoring technology. This can be incorporating a wide range of use recording to maintain a firm datum. Existing either integrated into nearby ancillary applications. clamping knowledge has been applied to the protection products such as bend control or new devices including the consideration of cable protection systems, or attached 2. Independent, extended life variable parameters such as expansion, retrospectively via a standalone clamp contractions, creep of coatings, temperature system, removing the need for specialist Designed as long-lasting, battery powered range, loadings and motions in the design. support. By engineering reliable, cost- monitoring units, capable of continuous effective sensing technologies, which are monitoring beyond five years due to the 5. Hot swapping SEM easily accessible, deployable and built-in selection of low power electronics recoverable, this new technology provides and cutting-edge industrial The SEM is designed for simple hot swapping operators with reliable data that is easily microelectromechanical systems by a diver or ROV with parallel jaw validated and processed. (MEMS) sensors. manipulators. Based on its small size, it is possible for the diver or ROV to collect and Aligned to Trelleborg’s existing wind energy 3. Simplistic installation: integrated or replace several sensor modules in a single protection portfolio, the initial monitoring stand-alone deployment. solutions released are designed to capture data on two key factors that commonly cause The SEM can be simply integrated into 6. Workflow based app damage and fatigue of cables exposed to Trelleborg’s other ancillary products such as dynamic sea conditions: motion and bending a dynamic Njord BS (Bend Stiffener) (Figure All clamp communication and operational strain. Applications where sections of 1), Tri-Strakes® (Figure 2) or provided as a documentation, including visual installation offshore power cables can be particularly standalone, retrofitted clamp solution documents, material information, design susceptible to these factors include: (Figure 3). In these cases, the SEMs can be assurance and factory acceptance testing inserted and deployed with the power cable are provided digitally to the operator directly • Points where the cable connects to fixed or later inserted or attached via ROV, simply via the Mimir Digital Technician App (Figure 4) and floating foundations affixed to the pipeline by an intermeshing or in a ruggedized tablet for ease of installation. This removes the requirement for an onsite • On free spans (by design or unexpectedly) specialist technician to be present. due to seabed scour or geological features 7. SEM pressure vessel • A t seabed touch-down zones of dynamic The pressure vessel protecting the cable riser sections connecting to floating electronics hardware is engineered with foundations safety and longevity in mind. The design allows repeated reuse to enable future • Close to clamping locations where a cable swap-out of batteries and upgrade of the modular electronic boards. experiences a change in stiffness. Figure 4: Trelleborg’s Mimir Digital Technician App 74 PES WIND

TALKING POINT ‘The increased knowledge that can be generated from sensor technology can allow fine-tuning of systems and processes, better quantifying and informing operators.’ Richard Beesley Further developments widely adopted within the renewable energy About Richard Beesley industry at critical dynamic locations, both as Since the initial concept, Trelleborg’s additions to new cable installations or As the Innovation and Business applied technologies operation has further retrofitted onto existing cables, providing Development Director at Trelleborg’s developed the performance and operators with insights and intelligent data. applied technologies operation in functionality of its Mimir Digital Intelligence Skelmersdale, England, Richard is monitoring devices to include hot swapping The increased knowledge that can be responsible for the development and data logs (small, easy to retrieve data generated from sensor technology can improvement of product technologies modules that can be retrieved and replaced allow fine-tuning of systems and processes, and solutions for subsea pipeline and without interruption to the sensors) and better quantifying and informing operators. cable protection applications, alongside simple subsea optical communication, Furthermore, their deployment can reduce developing new market applications. allowing any diver or ROV an opportunity to the risk of costly cable failures and power check and understand the monitoring disruption. The data gathered provides key After graduating from Loughborough device’s status whilst subsea, and recognize performance insight and modelling University, Richard joined Trelleborg if intervention is needed. For example, the capabilities to support subsea asset initially in a design and engineering device will signal if it has experienced a integrity management, realizing value capacity. Richard has worked within the significant event, the battery power is low, through design and operational efficiencies Trelleborg group for over 20 years, or memory is close to full. and increasing return on investment by holding senior posts in England, US, enabling field life extension. Asia Pacific and Brazil, and is the Summary inventor on patent for Trelleborg’s * Rystad and IRENA Diverless Bend Stiffener Connectors. By increasing the accessibility, reliability and cost-effectiveness of offshore cable www.trelleborg.com/applied-technologies Richard is married with two teenage monitoring, such systems can become more daughters, and when not at work can be found out running with his local club in Liverpool. Richard is currently training for the 2020/21 London Marathon. WWW.PESWIND.COM 75

PES ESSENTIAL Through life management of wind assets: a holistic decision- making process Inspection in progress Words: Iain Dinwoodie Head of Advanced Performance Engineering Neil Marshall, Senior Due Diligence Project Manager, at Natural Power By 2040, it is expected that around 4GW of the UK’s onshore wind capacity will be repowered projects. The next few years will see slow growth in this sector, around 100MW per year from 2020, but increasing to around 500MW per year by 2035. So as a significant number of wind turbines begin to reach the end of their original planned life service, our attention is focussed on the topic of life management strategies to support owners make smart business decisions about the next phase of their wind farms. 76 PES WIND

PES ESSENTIAL The decision on life extension is complex and technical specification was accepted for stakeholders as they weigh up decisions inevitably includes technical, economic and development by the International about retrofitting, repowering or life legal considerations as well as acknowledging Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) - IEC TS extension. These insights can be gained uncertain future electricity market prices 61400-28, ‘through life management and from a thorough assessment of the and revenue streams, which determine if life life extension of wind farms’. This condition of all operating systems in a wind extension is economically feasible. introduced the concept of independent farm as the plant ages. verification of the strategies for equipment Decommissioning, repowering or continued maintenance throughout the entire lifecycle It’s clear that increasing standardisation and operation are the main options to be of a wind farm. increased experience at operating wind considered and although wind turbines are farms beyond their design life has already generally designed for a service life of 20 A key objective of the technical specification had a dramatic impact on reducing years, many can continue to operate past is to establish independent guidance on best uncertainty for all wind farm stakeholders their original design life. As the size and practices for wind farm operations. and helping to reduce the cost of electricity capacity of turbines increase, and Throughout a typical lifecycle of a wind farm, generated from wind. The new IEC technical technology continues to improve, the qualitative and quantitative information will specification will build on that. economic case for life extension is likely to be collated and assessed to improve become clearer. In fact, the lifetime of a decisions on equipment performance, farm To accurately assess the potential for life wind turbine can often be extended by operation and maintenance. extension, a methodical approach will minor and low-cost repairs. support the decision-making process, and The aim is to provide impartial and includes a number of critical stages; During 2018, a new global wind farm independent assistance to all wind farm WWW.PESWIND.COM 77

PES ESSENTIAL Design service life Iain Dinwoodie Neil Marshall Manufacturer assumptions are factored into process is establishing the structural stability conditions have performed against the turbine design to define the service life for of a wind turbine. The tests required to verify actual conditions. If it is found to have the wind turbine. All operational, safety and structural stability are mainly focused on the experienced less damage cycles than the construction relevant components and load-bearing components, from the rotor design envelope, then there is potential to load-bearing parts of the turbine are blades to the foundation, as well as the safety extend the operational life of the wind designed, built and dimensioned to devices, braking systems and turbine control turbine. Where it is found to have been withstand foreseeable loads and stresses systems. The actual loads to which a turbine potentially exceeded or close to its designed caused by wind, weather and operation for has been exposed during its operational capacity, an inspection and maintenance the length of this period. This design service lifetime need to be calculated based on regime could be developed to help manage life is usually 20 or 25 years, provided the operating data, data from the nacelle the remaining life of the foundation. specified maintenance is completed, regular anemometry and compared with loads inspections and testing are performed, and resulting from design conditions. This Environmental conditions faults are immediately rectified. information is obtained from computer simulations that reflect design conditions The potential for continued operation is Principles of a lifetime extension after type testing, as well as environmental calculated based on turbine technical assessment operating conditions. On top of this, an documentation, as well as the on-site inspection of the turbine is performed. environmental operating data. Wind farm Owners are increasingly considering life operators are responsible for arranging the extension decisions earlier and earlier in the In particular during the structural review, the assessment and for presenting the relevant life cycle of wind farms as making the correct focus falls to understanding the fatigue life of documents including information relating to decisions early on ensure lowest cost over the wind turbine and how the design construction and commissioning; the the life of a project and allow any end of life strategy to be adopted. Indeed, many owners Anemometry looking out the back of the nacelle from the roof are considering through life management right from the start of the project. After the analytical evaluation and on-site inspections, which provides preliminary results to indicate whether continued operation is feasible, a report is prepared specifying the requirements and actions for lifetime extension. For instance, repairs or precautionary replacements of the bolted connections of the rotor blade are often necessary, as these are usually the first elements to reach their design load limits. In some cases, it may be necessary to inspect key components in order to establish their condition. As part of this, an accurate financial estimate of the potential costs involved in a lifetime extension can be generated, which is important in assisting wind farm operators with decision-making. Analytical evaluation At this stage, operating loads are compared with design loads. The results of a physical inspection are also considered in these calculations. Fatigue loads in the turbine components are simulated using software- based models that take into account site-specific wind conditions and operational data. All load-bearing components contributing to the structural stability of the turbine are examined: the tower and foundation, load-bearing parts of the drive train, the hub, the shaft, the rotor blades, braking systems and the safety functions. This analysis identifies the remaining time until design loads are potentially reached as well as outlining measures required for continued safe operation that become necessary at defined points in time, like exchange of parts, individual inspection strategies or structural monitoring. Structural assessment One critical factor in the safety evaluation 78 PES WIND

PES ESSENTIAL operating permit of the turbine; repair, Hydraulic system for pitching the blades inspection and maintenance reports; operating and yield data; wiring and hydraulic diagrams; foundation design and construction quality documents. Additionally, a technical report documenting the conditions of the rotor blades, carried out within the last year of operation, is required. There are a range of issues to consider in relation to life extension opportunities, most of which will be site specific and may vary greatly between sites. On the planning side, the process could range from no action required to a simple variation of a condition or at the other end of the spectrum, the need for a full EIA planning application. This largely depends on the existing consent and the conditions attached to it. However, it will also depend on whether the repowering, or life extension proposal would result in an expansion of a site beyond the Gearbox from the back of the turbine facing the rotor originally consented project. Key to progression on any site would be engagement with the relevant planning authority. Physical inspection of a turbine The objective of the physical assessment is to document any damage or unusual wear and tear to the turbine’s components and equipment. The physical condition of a turbine is assessed through an on-site inspection during the practical part of the lifetime extension evaluation. Prior to the on-site testing and inspection of the turbine, the information and data already available are analysed. Technical documentation and reports, as well as weather and performance data, are examined so that the turbine can be checked for specific weaknesses and defects. Load-bearing and safety-relevant components are examined in detail. Maintenance records are checked, and the turbine condition is compared with the technical documentation. In particular, inspectors search for signs of corrosion, visible cracks and suspicious noises in the gearbox or other gear and bearing assemblies. Also, a detailed investigation is carried out for weaknesses or flaws associated with a particular type of wind turbine, such as known shortcomings in the quality management during specific production periods or certain components or design flaws that lead to premature defects. Close attention is also paid to any changes in the surrounding environment of a wind farm. Decommissioning vs repowering A lifetime extension assessment determines whether continued operation is possible and assists owners when planning for the future WWW.PESWIND.COM 79

PES ESSENTIAL View over the rotor through turbine blades of their assets. Our experience shows that inspection will be able to report on the About Natural Power many turbines can still be operated beyond maintenance strategy deployed and its their design lives with some older platforms effect on the status of the turbine. Natural Power is an independent targeting 30-year operating life. consultancy and service provider that The results of a lifetime extension supports a global client base in the Previous lifetime extension inspection assessment can also be used to plan effective delivery of a wide range of campaigns have provided widely maintenance shutdowns and to forecast the renewable projects including onshore contrasting results. The condition of a costs that are likely to be incurred during the wind, solar, renewable heat, energy turbine coming to the end of its twenty-year remaining lifetime of a turbine. This storage and offshore technologies. It certification has been found to be largely assessment is also recommended when has a global reach, employing more than dependent on several factors including; applying for extension of insurance policies 400 staff across 12 international offices. environmental, topographical and wind and is generally required by service providers Its experience extends across all phases regime. However, the most important after the end of the design life of the turbine. of the project lifecycle from initial factor has been the site maintenance feasibility, through construction to regime throughout the lifespan. If it is deemed uneconomical to extend the life operations and throughout all stages of of a wind farm and the site is not suitable for the transaction cycle. A good maintenance and inspection repowering due to planning, infrastructure or programme, from commissioning, ultimately other financial constraints, it may be viable to www.naturalpower.com ensures that routine servicing, continual extend the operation of individual turbines monitoring, good tribological considerations within a wind farm using key components from www.linkedin.com/company/natural- and advance predictive maintenance and decommissioned turbines. power repair strategies are in place. This ensures that the likelihood of the turbine’s capability With so many contributing factors and www.twitter.com/Natural_Power to extend beyond initial certified life is site-specific issues to consider, a holistic maximised. A good lifetime extension approach is essential to making the optimal https://www.instagram.com/natural_ decision for each site. power_pics/ 80 PES WIND

Having experience means it can be done. The personal skills of our employees are our foundation. From basic contracts to full service, from individual solutions to cluster management spanning multiple wind farms: We have over 15 years of experience in complete maintenance for wind turbines on land and at sea. deutsche-windtechnik.com

THINK TANK The winds of change Words: Immanuel Capano, Head of Business Development Saitec Offshore Technologies Delivering climate neutrality requires adequate new national energy strategies, policies, and regulatory frameworks to be in place due to the massive energy transformation needed. 82 PES WIND

THINK TANK The European Union has been at the from the renewables energy industry, had to shut down; at that time almost forefront of global climate action so far, and showing what can be achieved when there is 90% of the energy was coming from is the first major economy to put in place a a joint commitment by governments, energy imported oil. legally binding framework to deliver on its companies and regulators. pledges under the Paris Agreement and it is From the oil crisis of the 70s, via the first successfully transitioning towards a low Denmark’s energy transition experience offshore wind farm in 1991, today 44% of emissions economy, targeting to reach can teach very valuable lessons. The electricity in Denmark is supplied by wind and climate neutrality by 2050. transition in Denmark started more or less solar power. So far from the 90s their carbon 50 years ago, when the oil crisis rocked the emissions dropped by 38%, while its GDP We have useful lessons that can be drawn world in the 1970s and Danish industries more than doubled. WWW.PESWIND.COM 83

THINK TANK The significant share of green energy in the unparallel growth in the last decade, (less than 60m), and this was partly due to the Danish electricity system is a result of increasing spectacularly its installed capacity limitations of the existing floating technology. ambitious national strategies laid down in the (being 2019 its best year for installed 70s and supported for their implementation capacity), and with its cost steadily declining. What is the next step for the offshore wind by fit for purpose energy policies and industry to increase its share of global regulatory frameworks. The cost of offshore wind energy has been power generation, becoming a key player in dramatically declining and auction strike the energy transition for many countries? In the 70s the oil crisis was the trigger for prices in Europe indicate that costs have the start of the energy transition in dropped of nearly 60% in the last 3-4 years. It is time to move few steps off the shore Denmark: could the Covid-19 pandemic act towards deeper waters. similarly as a trigger and have a catalyst The main driver of the cost reduction has effect on the energy transition process of been the installation of bigger turbines. Since UK is the leading country in the world, when it several countries? 2014 the average rated capacity of newly comes to installed capacity for offshore installed turbines has grown at an annual rate wind, but for Scotland, an estimated 70% of The green transition is increasingly taking of approximately 16%. This cost reduction its offshore wind resources are in water over the global political agenda and the trend is due to continue, as the development deeper than 60m. renewable energy industry can play an of floating technology will unlock the wind important role for revitalizing economies hit resources of new marine areas. The Scottish government with the first cycle by the Covid-19 crisis. of ScotWind Leasing, launched in June, is Despite all these significant achievements, taking these needed steps. The scope of the In the EU there is the vision that renewable offshore wind barely accounts for 0.3% of first cycle of ScotWind Leasing is to grant up to energy should be at the very heart of a green global power generation. Its deployment, so 10 years option on property rights for seabed recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. In far, has been limited to relatively shallow waters in Scottish waters for new commercial scale the EU recovery plan launched in May, strong bottom-fixed and floating offshore windfarms. emphasis is on supporting the green transition to a climate-neutral economy. What role can play the offshore wind industry in powering a climate-neutral economy and helping economies to emerge from the pandemic crisis? In the long term the offshore wind industry can be crucial in delivering climate neutrality objectives and in the short/medium term helping the response of EU economies to the pandemic crisis, unlocking significant investment in the industry supply chain to create more green jobs in the EU. For many years, the killer argument against offshore wind has been its extraordinary cost. The offshore wind sector has experienced an 84 PES WIND

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THINK TANK ScotWind has the potential to deliver the regulatory frameworks. between the mentioned shifts. green electricity needed to power every Scottish household, helping Scotland Commercial scale offshore floating wind Reaching deep waters, will open new markets achieve its net-zero emissions target by farms are heavy-capital investment projects in the short/medium term in Europe, 2045. The total investment in ScotWind that require 5-7 years from their inception to California, and major Asian markets such as Leasing projects is expected to exceed £8bn, their start of operation. Japan and South Korea. playing a major part of Scotland’s green recovery and aiming to generate local jobs These projects need to have a strong The bottom-fixed offshore wind industry across the country. commitment from government and taught us that wind resources and mature policymakers and good long-term planning, technologies are not the only factors of ScotWind will be a milestone for the offshore with all parties coordinated to ensure they the equation. floating wind industry, and we are excited to are all rowing in the same direction. be involved in this pioneer leasing process for Commercial scale offshore floating wind the floating wind industry. We have high The offshore wind industry started in farms need high capital investment and time. expectations to demonstrate the Europe, finding a fertile ground for The energy industry to make the required competitiveness of our floating technology commercial wind farms in the North Sea investments, needs national energy plans, and to show how we can contribute to the propelled by European countries having political stability, tailored energy policies, development of the floating industry. energy policies and regulatory frameworks national regulatory frameworks. suitable for developing offshore wind farms, The spotlight will be also on another European and with an established supply chain in place It is not a case that the offshore wind industry country, France, with the first commercial due to their onshore wind industry. took off in countries like UK, Denmark, scale floating tender coming up in 2021 in Germany, were this certainty and stability for France. The French Government has just We observed the installation of the wind the investment was ensured. Countries started public consultation on plans to build turbines moving from the hills to the sea without an offshore wind regulatory up to 750MW of floating wind off the coast of close to the shoreline on bottom-fixed framework in place are unlikely to draw the Brittany, aiming to launch the 250 MW tender foundations. From a technological point of attention of developers and energy companies. in 2021 and a 500 MW tender in 2024. Two 250 view, the increase in terms of size and MW tenders for floating wind farms in the generation capacity of wind turbines had a Stable national regulatory framework Mediterranean Sea will follow in 2022. significant impact on the commercial viability conditions and the right energy policies are of wind farms in the sea. the conditio sine qua non for attracting such The commercial tender in Brittany in 2021 will high capital investments. mark a key milestone in the floating wind The onshore wind deployment picked up in industry, putting a price on a commercial the mid-90s, and the bottom-fixed offshore With all the above conditions in place, floating wind farm for the first time, and sector followed a similar growth path with floating offshore wind costs are very likely to expecting to draw the attention of all the 15-20 years difference. decline following a similar trend of its more industry, with large utility energy players and mature predecessor, and probably at a faster oil giants on the frontline. It is interesting to The following steps in the development of the speed, as the industry can derive useful observe that France does not have any wind industry imply globalizing by moving to lessons from the bottom-fixed offshore wind commercial offshore wind farm operative, deep waters, by introducing in the industry industry experience, and up to a certain and this is mainly due to the failures of an new bigger turbines to be installed on floating extent sharing the same supply chain, and unfit regulatory framework. The floating technologies. If we run a comparison between benefitting from floating technologies born sector will benefit from the changes and the mentioned shifts in the wind industry, we with an innovative spirit. improvements introduced in national can observe that the development of the floating technology is the differentiator www.saitec-offshore.com 86 PES WIND

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THINK TANK Wind work by drone Fast, precise... cost-effective Inspection at 3 meters from the blades, with a 42 megapixel camera : essential to detect smallest defects. 88 PES WIND

THINK TANK After the media hype, it’s time to confirm it: the UAV is a formidable tool at the service of the wind power industry. SupAirVision is inventing and developing new uses for the UAV to meet the needs of the wind industry: inspection, painting and test of the lightning protection system (LPS). ‘The capabilities of UAVs have evolved risking the lives of the pilots. Unfortunately, Sébastien Arnould incredibly in a decade. They have improved in the technology used on these radio- reliability, load capacity and above all, flight controlled aircraft was still far too rudimentary 2010: ‘I was one of the pioneers of the drone precision and stability,’ says Sébastien for research to be pursued on a large scale. in France,’ explains the director. ‘In 2013, I Arnould, founder & CEO of SupAirVision was the first UAV pilot approved in - UAV wind power services. Nowadays, it is During the cold war, advances in automation Champagne with AltusPhotos. Right from the possible to fly within a few metres of a wind and radio communications enabled the US start, I felt that this machine would do a lot turbine’s blades with great precision, and Air Force to invest in this field. Over the more than just landscape photos! We are at even touch them to test the lightning path or years, as technology evolved, models were the heart of the French wind energy field, to carry heavy loads such as high-precision perfected, leading to the multi-rotor UAV sensors. ‘For the wind industry, the UAV is an currently used in inspection. incredible tool that allows access to the blades or the outside of the nacelle without Capable of taking off vertically and leaving the ground. maintaining a geostationary position, the multi-rotor UAV, with 4, 6 or 8 motors, The multi-rotor was born out of the invented in the 2000s by amateur model- miniaturisation of electronics makers, has revolutionised video and photographic images. Advances in computer As is often the case, it was the army that paved technology have enabled the extreme the way... in 1917. A pioneer in aviation, the miniaturisation of gyroscopes and computers French army was also behind the invention of to assemble the heart of the UAV: its flight the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV: controller. At the same time, the arrival on the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), which took off for market of miniature LiPo batteries made it the first time from the military base at Avord. possible to use brushless motors and send On 2 July 1917 the Frenchman, Max Boucher, them into the air, even on a rudimentary successfully took an unmanned aircraft for a chassis. Finally, the democratisation of GPS flight of 500 metres, at 50 metres above has completed the technical specifications of ground level. The challenge at the time was a a revolutionary device: the drone! major one: to create a machine capable of carrying out reconnaissance missions without SupAirVision has its roots in Sébastien Arnould’s photography activity at the end of HD photo inspection: a SupAirVision specialty to detect the smallest defects and ensure precision while tracking wind turbine blades WWW.PESWIND.COM 89

THINK TANK DroneSpray Online defect annotation platform – an essential reviewing tool for reliable and accurate defects detection 50% of French wind turbines are in the north-east of the country, so I became SupAirVision’s tools are also perfectly calibrated to inspect measuring masts interested in wind turbines. However, the capacities of the machines at the time did not 90 PES WIND allow us to provide an adequate service for wind turbine operators.’ Drone, sensor, data, this is the triptych that is at the heart of SupAirVision. UAV control, semi-automatic piloting, digitalisation of the wind turbine blade and the development of new sensors will enable us to develop a relevant offer for professionals in the wind energy sector. Sherlock represents SupAirVision’s ‘historical’ service: the HD photo of wind turbine blades accessible to technicians from their computer screen. ‘By flying only 3 m from the blade thanks to our lidar technology, the drone - equipped with a 42 million pixel full-format camera - can capture the smallest defects,’ explains Zhewei Yu, CTO of SupAirVision. ‘Then we assemble the photos using artificial intelligence to digitally reconstruct the blade and deliver it to our cloud platform,’ continues Lucas Réocreux, SupAirVision R&D engineer. ‘Defects are detected automatically, validated by a blade and composite expert, and then recorded in an automatically generated inspection report.’ SupAirVision has a goal to support wind farm operators and developers! This is why we have adapted Sherlock to inspect the weather masts as well, with the same HD quality as used for the blades. We built a partnership with experts, that have 12

THINK TANK years of experience in weather mast inspections and installation. We provide a full service of inspection and defect detection in order to prevent risks from human interventions and to avoid dropping the masts. SupAirVison helps you maintain your assets as long as possible. Active thermography for in-depth detection The development of new sensors to detect faults invisible to the naked eye, and therefore in photographs, has been a fundamental part of the work carried out by the SupAirVision team since the creation of the project. There are several technologies capable of achieving this objective, but the only one that does not require contact with the surface and that can be embedded is thermography. ‘We have filed a patent with Engie Green and Drone Volta the University of Reims on an internal defect detection system. Pulsed dynamic thermography enables us to characterise the depth of the defect thanks to the on-board laser that heats the blade,’ explains Zhewei Yu. Active and passive thermography is an important area of development to improve the maintenance of wind turbine blades and prevent major breakages and breakdowns. The challenge for operators and manufacturers is to detect delaminations, fibre wrinkles and the presence of water before they become visible on the surface of the blades. SupAirVision is developing an internal fault detection tool that can be used on the ground or on an aerial work platform (skyclimber), which can be taken on board by a robot or a drone. Lightning diagnostics to pamper the blades resources at height. It therefore improves to disappear! Before an intervention time site safety. of only one hour per wind turbine for 10 m² SupAirVision’s latest innovation, the lightning logos, the UAV is much faster than a team path test benefits directly from the major The innovation is on the move. The UAV is of rope access technicians, and incredibly innovations in the UAV world in recent years. on such a steep technical progress curve more profitable than a team of painters on ‘To come and touch the lightning pellet at the that the limits are unknown. Sensor an aerial work platform. end of the blade, with a drone connected to suppliers are following the same progress, the ground by an 80 m wire, you need a miniaturising their equipment and Several prototypes have been built and perfect mix between the propellers, motors, facilitating their mechanical, electrical and tested, and different paint spraying flight controller and on-board sensors, and electronic integration. Finally, the progress solutions have been tested, and several the design of the chassis,’ explains Diego of robotics is ending up making an types of paint have been created to come Garcia, SupAirVision’s R&D engineer. ‘The astonishing cocktail that has not finished up with an efficient and effective tool. touch is also very technical, so as to ensure surprising and above all bringing The challenge for us was to master aerial perfect conductivity and to enable the ohmic operational benefits to the wind industry. painting,’ explains Sébastien Arnould, resistance of the lightning path to be founder and CEO of SupAirVision. We measured,’ explains David Perinet, Aerial painting, always on wind turbines started with the nacelles, but the blades SupAirVision UAV technician. ‘We have to are an important field of action and ensure overall rigidity while remaining SupAirVision has already covered 320 logos research: technical coatings or de-icing, flexible to accompany the movement of from wind turbine nacelles in less than a year there are many requirements for spraying the drone and the blade. It’s a major by painting them in white. It was in response at height. And the UAV always presents the technical challenge!’ to a customer’s request that the same arguments: ease of use, speed of SupAirVision team and its partner Drones action, human safety. This innovation patented by SupAirVision is Center looked into this particular and eagerly awaited by wind turbine operators. innovative application of the UAV: aerial Try Volta at our launch price, just include this Faster, UAV-based diagnostics above all painting. Following the takeover of the code in your quote request: VOLTA_PES make it possible to avoid mobilising human operator, all the logos of the machines had www.supairvision.com Innovation WWW.PESWIND.COM 91

CLEAN FUEL GREEN MARINE FOSSIL ENERGY MARINE ENERGY OFFSHORE WIND SUBSEA HOME OF ENERGY TRANSITION Connecting the maritime & o shore world for sustainable solutions. From phasing out fossil fuels to investing in greener innovations within the maritime and o shore industry, the energy transition is relevant for all of us. The developments in these industries are driven by the changing landscape in the energy sector and the necessity to have all industries working together for the same goal: a more sustainable future. The platform focusses on the energy transition and sustainable solutions in the maritime and o shore energy industry. With a team of editors, content developers and sales & marketing professionals O shore Energy brings the industry daily news, in-depth stories, networking events and conferences. WWW.OFFSHORE-ENERGY.BIZ Created and produced by

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THINK TANK Learning from the past to secure floating offshore wind’s future 94 PES WIND

THINK TANK How lessons from the oil and gas industry can support the floating offshore wind (FLOW) sector’s sustainable development Floating offshore wind has the potential to substantially increase access to an unlimited energy resource in deeper waters, and can play a crucial role in driving the world’s transition to clean energy. This paper examines the importance of Friends of Floating Wind, a group of ensure that the industry’s capability is equal adopting proven approaches from the technology developers and associations to its demand. Drawn to the sector’s offshore hydrocarbon sector to realise formed to promote the interests of FLOW, to achievements in Europe, there is growing floating offshore wind’s successful set a target for the sector to increase its interest in FLOW from Japan, South Korea commercialisation, drawing on comparisons global energy output from 36MW to 5GW by and the US, with Japan alone investing over between the sector’s current use of asset 2030. The group contends that this growth £830 million to date. monitoring systems in pilot projects and the rate is critical to building the economies of potential of the technology’s full-scale scale necessary for commercial viability. If Conversely, before FLOW’s exciting potential application. Going beyond model successful, FLOW would power the can be realised, the industry finds itself at a verification, it analyses how the technology equivalent of 12 million homes, more homes critical juncture as it prepares to transition can secure platforms throughout their entire than there are people in London. To answer towards full-scale commercialisation. With lifecycles; mitigating risk to stakeholders, such ambitious expectations, there are over all eyes on FLOW in the overlapping spheres supporting array upscaling, and delivering 50 FLOW projects at various stages of of government, media, finance and public the levelised cost of energy (LCoE) benefits development, all of which are working to opinion, the much-anticipated technology is of digitalisation. more vulnerable to exogenous events that As part of the worldwide aim for net-zero, or carbon neutrality, European leaders have committed to reaching a 32% renewables grid contribution by 2030 – up from 17.5% in 2017. Recognising the limitations of fixed bottom offshore wind, floating offshore wind (FLOW) is increasingly viewed as an integral part of this initiative. With consistent high-velocity winds, operating in deep waters has the potential to uplift FLOW’s capacity factor when compared with its fixed bottom counterpart. Illustrating FLOW’s advantageous position, the International Energy Agency expects the technology to achieve cost-savings of 50% by 2050, outperforming fixed bottom winds forecasted 35% cost-reduction. This projection is reinforced by the multi-national energy company, Equinor, which predicts that FLOW will arrive at a competitive levelised cost of energy (LCoE) of €40-60/MW by 2030. FLOW’s promise has been accompanied by a surge of interest and investment, leading the WWW.PESWIND.COM 95

THINK TANK could jeopardise its development and Understanding this, industry leaders are world’s first floating offshore wind farm. reputation than other, more mature forms of continuously competing to design the most power generation. Therefore, stringent reliable platforms, giving rise to the diverse Case study: The Hywind project monitoring throughout FLOW’s lifecycle range of prototypes and pilot projects that beyond the initial research and development we see today. Hywind deploys asset monitoring for design phase is critical. optimisation Asset monitoring has become a prominent Fortunately, the availability of trusted feature in this pre-commercial landscape. Costing over £152 million, the Hywind approaches from the hydrocarbon sector, as The reason for this is epitomised in a recent project produces 30MW, powering an well as emerging digital innovations, can help research paper from the University of estimated 20,000 homes in Aberdeenshire, the industry take every precaution, at every Strathclyde, which states that ‘the better North-East Scotland. Standing 254m high turn, to move forwards with diligence and estimation of extreme forces and the and weighing 12,000 tonnes, the floating confidence. Aligning with this aim, distribution of fatigue loads will enable us to offshore wind farm must output power established asset monitoring systems from find more realistic, and thereby more reliably while withstanding the harsh oil and gas can protect FLOW against the economic safety factors that meet an conditions of the North Sea. As one of the financial, environmental and health and acceptable probability of failure.’ most challenging offshore environments in safety (H&S) repercussions of structural the world, the North Sea is typified by integrity incidents, such as mooring line By deploying asset monitoring, engineers formidable waves and wind speeds averaging damage or failure. Extending beyond model can create detailed models that deliver this over 10 metres per second. verification for pilot projects, asset degree of insight. Drawing on complex data monitoring technology will be integral to configurations – including environmental, Completing a thorough analysis of asset load improving risk management and reducing oceanographic and mooring line tension and and fatigue life was critical to ensuring that costs as arrays continue to upscale, enabling load data, these models simulate the Hywind’s spar-type mooring arrangements the industry to unlock FLOW’s full potential. performance of mooring systems and other could handle such conditions. To gain the critical platform components to validate data needed for verifying this, MacGregor Phase 1: Optimising pilot projects with their structural integrity, forecast their life Pusnes – the project’s chain stopper supplier asset monitoring cycles and optimise their design. – sourced and equipped Strainstall’s patented strain ring monitoring sensors. Before FLOW can transition towards For instance, Strainstall’s asset monitoring full-scale commercialisation, it must first technology enabled model verification for With a resolution of 0.25% (of full scale), the establish itself upon solid footings. Equinor’s landmark Hywind project, the strain rings were originally trusted by the oil and gas industry to provide highly accurate 96 PES WIND

THINK TANK data for upstream assets, including FPSOs ‘the duty holder shall ensure that an offshore events than FLOW. Despite this, asset and semi-submersible platforms installed renewable energy installation (OREI) and its monitoring is still deployed as standard in around the world. This technology can sense moorings possesses such integrity, offshore oil and gas production. Even minute changes in mooring loads, while throughout its lifecycle, as is reasonably though FLOW is an emerging technology monitoring primary load paths in real time. practicable to ensure the health and safety of that sustains itself only on pre-commercial This provides an increased understanding of persons.’ It also advises that ‘‘loads during levels of investment, the sector appears to the load placed on floating structures, operational conditions including normal remain hesitant to adopt the same approach helping to predict their fatigue life while operation, contact loads from access boats to risk mitigation. informing a regime that includes predictive and temporary loads maintenance maintenance. Additionally, all data collected operations’ should be monitored, along with While O&G has more severe environmental could be compared with modelled ‘environmental conditions, e.g. winds, waves, risks, FLOW operations pose their own unique predictions, providing insights for future water depth, tidal and current conditions’ to threats that call for asset monitoring. design optimisation, material reduction and mitigate the risk of ‘mooring line failure’. Considering the arrangement of FLOW arrays, value engineering. these are particularly vulnerable to mooring While the HSE clearly assigns responsibility to line failure. One malfunction can prompt a Ultimately, the strain ring proved to be a asset owners for ensuring that suitable sequence of incidents that endangers the reliable solution that helped to secure the risk-management systems are in place, it is structural integrity of an entire wind farm. This Hywind project’s successful completion; a significant that it leaves methodology open to threat only heightens as FLOW upscales in project that has since outperformed interpretation instead of mandating a specific terms of size, value, and output to the wider expectations despite weathering frequent approach. This may have led project leaders to power grid. While there is no definitive winner winter storms and the extreme conditions of view asset integrity forecasting at the initial between spar, semi-submersible, barge or a hurricane. research and development (R&D) stage as an TLP (tension leg platform) in the race for appropriate response to public sector FLOW optimisation, it is now a matter of Strainstall’s involvement with Hywind instructions, seeing predictive risk mitigation priority for all designs to take every precaution demonstrates asset monitoring’s significance as offering an acceptable degree of assurance. when planning for mooring line safety. To this to the assured deployment of pilot projects. It end, deploying load monitoring as a also reflects how widely-recognised methods However, sophisticated modelled forecasts standardised feature of life-long operation from the offshore oil and gas industry can help are still estimations by their very nature. To can offer a heightened degree of security. to protect FLOW projects from structural adhere to the HSE’s instructions with the integrity threats, while reducing R&D and highest levels of confidence, owners should Monitoring qualitative value quality assurance timescales. monitor FLOW arrays throughout their entire lifecycles. This approach is the only way to In addition to protecting physical assets, the In partnership with First Subsea, Strainstall manage risk at an ALARP level, as it captures FLOW industry must consider an often are now contracted to deliver a similar data across all stages of array development overseen – but no less significant – solution for the Kincardine Offshore Floating – from R&D and installation to operation and challenge for its development. In the field of Wind Farm – the largest FLOW array to date. decommissioning. Doing so ensures that offshore engineering, the industry assesses blueprints perform in practice against all quantitative data sets at painstaking Phase 2: Sustainable upscaling to meet eventualities, including mooring line damage. lengths, yet qualitative factors are often left emerging energy demands unobserved. In this vein, collective As conveyed by the HSE’s specific concern for stakeholder confidence is integral to Ensuring asset security for life mooring line integrity, compromises to accurately evaluating the case for asset mooring arrangements are a leading threat to monitoring. Wind Europe alludes to this Hywind and other pre-commercial arrays the industry’s ambitions to upscale into full when it states that ‘projects require only scratch the surface of floating offshore commercialisation. Mooring line damage or significant investments and their wind’s capability. As 80% of offshore wind redundancy can have considerable fiscal bankability could be eased through financial power available is in deep waters, the energy repercussions, as the emergency maintenance instruments that address long-term industry is increasingly keen to access this required to resolve this interrupts the array’s uncertainty.’ In line with this logic, industry largely untapped potential. Against the steady output of energy and capital. More confidence is not only shaped by financial backdrop of climate emergency, the concerning still is the prospect of mooring line instruments, but also by risk-management technology’s promise has been met with a failure. Such incidents have the potential to technologies. These foster their own unique growing demand for FLOW to upscale its take entire arrays offline indefinitely, while lost form of qualitative capital, invigorating operations and support the global aim for net assets present a considerable hazard to other investor and stakeholder confidence. zero. Doing so will require the size of turbines sea users. and the number of arrays to expand at an For FLOW, it appears that technological unprecedented rate. Comparing FLOW with the hydrocarbon advancement is no longer its highest hurdle. sector Instead, market perception has become a However, as arrays become larger it is larger barrier to success. Asset monitoring’s pertinent that industry combines swiftness In considering these ramifications, it is value is therefore not limited to measurable with caution to achieve sustainable growth. concerning that the FLOW sector has not statistics. Rather, it is determined by the Transcending the bounds of pre-commercial followed in the footsteps of offshore oil and levels of confidence that risk mitigation can deployment, asset monitoring’s risk gas in its deployment of asset monitoring instil. This logic applies to FLOW’s management capability on a commercial and sensor technologies as a given. relationship with the insurance sector, scale is key to realising this. The Health and Although mooring line issues for exploration particularly in respect to material damage, Safety Executive (HSE), a UK government and production (E&P) assets are severe, the liability and loss of earnings. Deploying agency, recently outlined the asset owner’s hydrocarbon industry is more equipped to protective measures that span across the responsibility for operating floating offshore absorb the financial costs of exogenous whole lifecycle of arrays can help to build renewable energy structures, stating that WWW.PESWIND.COM 97

THINK TANK trust with insurers, which aids the Phase 3: Enhancing efficiency and asset safer and more efficient digitalised oil field. negotiation of cover and premiums. assurance through digitalisation Many of these technologies also contribute to Fine-tuning commercial arrays for LCoE Collecting and analysing data is a the industry-wide aim for the automation of prerequisite to realising the potential of upstream operations. The underlying reason Alongside its risk management capability, FLOW through digitalisation. By emulating behind this movement is encapsulated by the mooring line technologies have a prevalent and adopting the hydrocarbon sector’s RAND Corporation’s 2016 study, which found role to play in LCoE. Wind Europe suggests digital approaches, FLOW stands to benefit that 80% of non-productive time (NPT) in that: ‘FLOW cost reduction needs targeted from streamlining its operations. Total’s exploration and production operations R&I in mooring solutions’ and the ‘industry can be attributed to human error. In response needs to reduce the cost of such key According to Deloitte Insights, digital to this, the sector is gravitating towards components as well as the related offshore technologies that enable Internet of Things digital technologies that enable the remote operations.’ In tandem with this aim, (IoT) applications could save over $500 million management of hazardous offshore deploying sensor technologies such as load per year for large oil and gas companies production locations to maximise safety and and condition monitoring can help reduce (averaging 270 million barrels produced per minimise downtime. CAPEX and OPEX. On the one hand, these year). Cost reductions of this scope are offer value engineering and material derived from health and safety advantages and As the challenges of FLOW and the offshore reduction benefits for improved cost- efficiency improvements enacted by such hydrocarbon sector bear a striking efficiency in platform development. On the technologies. Predictive maintenance, resemblance, it stands to reason that their other hand, the continuous monitoring of breakdown prediction, load measurement, solutions are equally comparable. Dr Conaill mooring lines and other critical components condition monitoring, digital twinning, artificial Soraghan, data and digitalisation team leader delivers data insights to enable lucrative intelligence and edge computing are just some at ORE Catapult, found that 94% of asset life extension initiatives. of the technologies that can combine to form a participants in the offshore wind sector who 98 PES WIND

THINK TANK ‘As one of the most promising opportunities on the horizon for renewable energy, the upscaling of FLOW has the capability to be a major driver in the global aim for net-zero.’ took part in their research said they were not future. On the contrary, this capability is By mooring itself to the hydrocarbon sector’s taking advantage of digital technologies, afforded by current technology. For example, wealth of experience, the FLOW industry can despite the significant performance Strainstall’s Integrated Marine Monitoring harness today’s technologies to realise increases of digitalisation and IoT. Dr System (IMMS) is already able to provide data tomorrow’s promises. Asset monitoring will Soraghn subsequently noted that ‘concepts insights at this level of detail for offshore be integral to this achievement, particularly and techniques in areas such as big data and assets. Additionally, the wider James Fisher with its ability to deliver superior safety, artificial intelligence are yet to have an and Sons plc group of companies that risk-management and LCoE benefits impact in offshore wind, and that’s Strainstall is part of is frequently innovating, throughout all stages of array operation. something that needs to change if the sector developing and delivering IoT and Building on its proven track record in oil and is to embrace a more cost-effective future.’ digitalisation enabling technologies to gas, real-time data from asset monitoring high-assurance sectors worldwide, striding has the capability to go beyond concept In contrast to its fixed bottom counterpart, untrodden paths in the arenas of digital verification to support the FLOW is in the unique position to realise this twinning and advanced telematics. commercialisation and digitalisation of future. As a result of its pre-commercial full-scale arrays; driving the industry status, digitalisation and IoT practices can be In considering the sophistication of current forwards as it embraces a greener future. implemented from the outset. It is simpler to data capture and curation technologies, the integrate IoT-style solutions from the only barrier to a digital tomorrow is our www.strainstall.com/markets/renewables/ beginning than to adopt them as retrofit, willingness to invest today. While doing so which can have the drawbacks of complex will take confidence and coordination, the About us: asset upgrades and time-consuming safety, CAPEX and OPEX advantages of retraining programmes. If successfully digitalisation far outweigh its challenges. With over 50 years’ industry experience, harnessed from the start, digitalisation and IoT However, achieving this will require project Strainstall is a leading developer of asset can offer a host of operational improvements, leaders to prioritise the implementation and monitoring technology for a range of including real-time data sharing worldwide and utilisation of emerging digital methods in high-assurance markets. a reduced need for costly offshore platform their FLOW developments. It is only through visits. These also facilitate the post-analysis of this approach that the data platforms Throughout our history, we have secured operational data to create digital FLOW arrays required for effective IoT-style operations our reputation as specialists in of superior safety, productivity and cost- can be built. Organisations that take the engineering bespoke solutions for the efficiency. Digitalisation of this scope would initiative stand to gain a decisive competitive unique challenges of our industry position the industry significantly closer to its advantage over those that are reactionary in partners, particularly those that operate ambitious LCoE and net-zero targets. their attitude towards data collection. in harsh and remote offshore environments. However, taking advantage of automation and Summary IoT technologies requires the mass Our technology captures data in a host of stockpiling of the 21st century world’s most As one of the most promising opportunities applications, monitoring load, valuable resource: data. To enable the remote on the horizon for renewable energy, the displacement, inclination, temperature, management of arrays over globe-spanning upscaling of FLOW has the capability to be a vibration, strain, water levels and other distances, automated platforms will major driver in the global aim for net-zero. key parameters. When combined, this necessitate accurate dashboards that draw on However, as the industry begins to navigate data provides a real-time overview of myriad data sets, and must be able to the turbulent waters of full-scale events to maximise the performance of interface with wind turbine generator SCADA commercialisation, it is becoming assets, extending their lifecycles while systems. Mechanical load, met-ocean data, increasingly apparent that opportunity enabling predictive maintenance. strain, meteorology, wave height, current accompanies threat in equal measure. FLOW direction, current speed, GPS location and a must not only live up to the pressure of its We have supported some of the world’s multitude of other data fields will all need to be key investors, but will need to shoulder the largest engineering projects, from Shell’s gathered to convey an overview of events in world’s expectations in the current state of Prelude FLNG to Orbital Marine Power’s sufficient detail, as well. climate emergency. Achieving this will O2 tidal platform. Drawing on our require FLOW decision makers to proactively offshore expertise, we continue to Yet data collection operations and take advantage of risk management innovate in the emerging FLOW sector. dashboards of this complexity are not an opportunities that mitigate threats to the idealistic aim set in the horizon of a distant sectors’ sustainable development. WWW.PESWIND.COM 99

TALKING POINT The importance of a workforce in the booming wind industry Words: A lex Øbell Nielsen, Head of Business Development for Maersk Training Credit: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S With the world engaged in the energy transition and the environmental sustainability high on business agendas, scientists and governments are working to identify alternative technologies that will generate enough energy to meet the growing demand while reducing greenhouse emissions. The wind sector and the energy transition Offshore wind is considered as one of the The importance of a workforce fastest growing energy industries, with Within the transition trend, there is a wide 2019 being the biggest growth year to According to the recent Global Wind portfolio of alternative energy date, and has the potential to create as Organisation (GWO) and Global Wind Energy sources available, from a large-scale many as 77,000 jobs within the industry on Council (GWEC) report, as the offshore wind development of hydrogen as a clean fuel, to a global scale. industry continues to thrive despite the renewable energy such as solar or wind power.  impacts of COVID-19, we will see not only a 100 PES WIND