PES Wind 4 2019

Belzona MIROS Fraunhofer IWES Conference Call We take a unique look into the We are delighted to hear It is our privilege to learn Our preview of the greatly leading edge blade protection exclusively from CEO, more about large-scale tests for anticipated Wind Europe Andreas Brekke efficient offshore supporting Offshore 2019 WIND structure designs Once more, we turn our attention to the key industry events around the world. As ever, we are delighted to bring you the latest technological & innovative advances & developments from many of the industry’s key movers & shakers. PLUS our usual portion of expert opinion, insight & analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2019 OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW There will be significant challenges ahead during 2020, of that there can be no doubt, and as the global offshore wind market maintains its steady growth, we are seeing the importance of best managing this expansion and ensuring that the correct plans, procedures, policies & legislation guidelines are in place, allowing the market to flourish and to prosper as much as is possible…

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EDITOR’S NOTE Belzona MIROS Fraunhofer IWES Conference Call We take a unique look into the We are delighted to hear It is our privilege to learn Our preview of the greatly leading edge blade protection exclusively from CEO, more about large-scale tests for anticipated Wind Europe Andreas Brekke efficient offshore supporting Offshore 2019 WIND structure designs Once more, we turn our attention to the key industry events around the world. As ever, we are delighted to bring you the latest technological & innovative advances & developments from many of the industry’s key movers & shakers. PLUS our usual portion of expert opinion, insight & analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2019 Editor’s note OUT WITH THE OLD IN As we move rapidly into Q4, I am delighted to bring you our final edition of PES WIND WITH THE NEW Magazine for 2019, there have been so many success stories during the year already, albeit set against an uncertain time in terms of global stability and well publicised political unrest There will be significant challenges ahead during 2020, of that there can in so many areas. It seems fair to say that the mood in the wind sector seems as high as it be no doubt, and as the global offshore wind market maintains its steady has been for some time. Subsequently, this issue is brimming with features giving us both growth, we are seeing the importance of best managing this expansion and optimism and innovation, as well as technology advancements. ensuring that the correct plans, procedures, policies & legislation guidelines are in place, allowing the market to flourish and to prosper as much as is possible… We are happy to bring you our much-anticipated preview of the upcoming WindEurope Offshore 2019 event, taking place in Copenhagen from the 26th- 28th November. Hopefully POWER & ENERGY we will see you there? Have you booked your tickets yet? It’s not too late. This event SOLUTIONS continues to grow and to evolve year on year, and this edition looks set to follow suit. Directors We are continuing to see lowered TCOE across the board, and this will surely continue to Stuart Gillies drive deployment in the industry. We would also expect this to garner the attention of Mark Smith policymakers in some of the already, and soon to be emerging markets, when it comes to Stefann Perrigot investing in the potential of our technology. Client Liaison Manager As ever, in this issue the hot topics include offshore accommodation solutions and Vikki Birch developments in transportation and logistics, we look at energy efficiency, digitalization and a plethora of cost-saving solutions and innovations. Editor Elaine Perrigot It is becoming clearer how important a role decommissioning & recycling will play in our [email protected] sector, and of course, investment into R&D remains a key and an integral part of the development of our industry moving forward. Associate Editors Stephen Pearson Unsurprisingly, we have some exclusive feature interviews with some of the key players Zachary George in the market, offering us their thoughts and foresight on a number of topics. We also bring you several must-read technical insights, industry opinion and product Design developments, as well as a look at some of the most exciting projects being planned and Andrew Jenkins delivered around the world. [email protected] One thing is for sure, this looks set to be a busy winter and festive period with little time Production for rest in the wind market. Paul Lawson [email protected] Sit back, relax and enjoy the read. Sales Enquiries [email protected] General Enquiries [email protected] Media Partnership Enquiries [email protected] Advertising Opportunities [email protected] PES is published by P&G Media Ltd Elaine Perrigot P&G Media Ltd Editor PO Box 310, Bristol, BS10 5WT, United Kingdom This publication is copyright © 2017 P&G Media Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior permission of P&G Media Ltd. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this publication, P&G Media cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information published herein or any consequence arising from it. From sustainably managed forests. For more information visit: www.pefc.org www.peswind.com WWW.PESWIND.COM 3

CONTENTS The growth of wind energy is exceptional, both in terms of installations and physical size. In a bid to access stronger and more 86 In Europe alone, it’s predicted to overtake gas installations and become the largest form of 68 stable winds, wind farms are moving power generation by 2020, supported firmly by a mammoth addition of 4.9GW in capacity ever farther from the shore, with during just the first half of 2019. Meanwhile, the size of wind turbines has reached incredible current planned projects up to 210km heights, with LM Wind Power unveiling the world’s longest blade at a staggering 107 meters or more out to sea. The challenges in length (McPhee, D. 2019). Therefore, the importance of a high-quality and easy-to-apply associated with increasing wind farm Leading Edge Protection (LEP) coating has never been more important to keep up with the output, however, are many, raising demand from this blossoming industry. Find out more, courtesy of Belzona flags at every stage of the wind farm lifecycle. From project delays to Belzona MIROS Fraunhofer IWES Conference Call 21 Large-scale tests overrunning costs, crew safety and We take a unique look into the We are delighted to hear It is our privilege to learn Our preview of the greatly for efficient offshore even damage to assets, it’s all to leading edge blade protection exclusively from CEO, more about large-scale tests for anticipated Wind Europe play for when the whim of the local Andreas Brekke efficient offshore supporting Offshore 2019 environment spells the difference WIND structure designs between success and failure – we hear supporting structure the thoughts of Andreas Brekke, Once more, we turn our attention to the key CEO of Miros industry events around the world. As ever, we are designs – courtesy of delighted to bring you the latest technological & innovative advances & developments from many Fraunhofer Institute for of the industry’s key movers & shakers. PLUS our usual portion of expert opinion, insight & analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2019 Wind Energy Systems IWES WindEurope Offshore 2019 is where the journey begins. 10 Taking place on 26th to 28th November, the Copenhagen event will gather the entire offshore wind industry as it prepares to scale up to meet the Paris Agreement. PES brings you a comprehensive preview to this key event OUT WITH 16 The CompositeLoop project is a feasibility study that proposes short term THE OLD IN solutions in Flanders, Belgium for the valorisation of large thermoset end- WITH THE NEW of-life GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastics) structures such as wind turbine There will be significant challenges ahead during 2020, of that there can be no doubt, and as the global offshore wind market maintains its steady blades, boats and yachts, profiles, silos. The study is based on literature growth, we are seeing the importance of best managing this expansion and ensuring that the correct plans, procedures, policies & legislation guidelines are review and input captured during three interactive workshops with in place, allowing the market to flourish and to prosper as much as is possible… stakeholders over the entire decommissioning to waste valorisation value chain. It identifies promising local short-term scenario’s, with the purpose of initiating synergies within the value chain, allowing further technical and commercial development of recycling solutions as a next phase. Ask the experts 40 PES had a great catch-up with Ola 72 T his is the final PES interview of 2019 6 How does the offshore wind service and Svensson, Head of Project Department with Hans Gatzemeier, the CEO at at MMT Sweden AB. The Swedish ELA Container Offshore. It has been accommodation industry keep up with culture permeates this company, where a great pleasure to learn more about operators’ requirements? PES asked safety and employee wellbeing are of this successful German company. It C-bed’s Managing Director, Jesper paramount importance. This company has grown through listening to the Nielsen for his thoughts… has expanded from being a one-man customer, innovation and being able to band to an over 200 strong work force. rise to the challenge of globalisation. 36 It was a great pleasure for PES to catch Their survey solutions have expanded The future looks bright as we move into as has their geographical reach, 2020 and a buoyant offshore market up with David Kristensson, CEO of meaning much to look forward to as we Northern Offshore Services. There is move to 2020 82 PES caught up with Anders no doubt that the strong environmental ethos, along with the commitment to 46 Geoffrey Vancassel, CEO at Sterblue, Helsinghoff Fjord, CEO of Hagland staff, in terms of working conditions and Shipbrokers, Denmark, to find out training, and the emphasis on customer spoke to PES about this innovative about the changes and expansion in his satisfaction, makes this company company, which in 4 years has reached business. Cooperation is a key factor a beacon in the offshore industry. the serious player threshold. They in operations, along with local offices. Whilst acknowledging the current provide easy to use software, complete It hasn’t been an easy time for this uncertainties, they are expanding and with apps and a cloud platform, which segment of our industry but Hagland developing new zero emissions CTVs enables off-the-shelf drones (DJI) to are innovative and adapt their solutions carry out complex inspections to the client requests 4 PES WIND

CONTENTS 6 40 90 H amburg-based trading company, Corporate focus 58 Accelerating the offshore wind industry: WINDSOURCING.COM, reaches 64 W ith two new vessels a Danish shipping prototyping and collaboration at the customers in the wind industry Port of Grenaa worldwide via its online presence. Seher company has broken records within Kaygusuz, their Business Development, both safe, reliable and cost-efficient 77 The steel structures, which make up a Marketing and Sales manager, dropped crew transfers in the offshore wind into PES to update us on what is industry. But this is not all… PES is wind farm, need protection. Importantly, happening in this expanding company delighted to bring you a preview of those offshore need a specific type, MHO-Co’s ‘green’ hybrid vessels of the because without the correct coating 112 Craig Marjoribanks, the Sales and future, which are in the pipeline at this corrosion occurs. This weakens and very moment shortens the lifespan of the parts. Jo Marketing Manager for HB Rentals, met van Montfort, from Bjond, explains to up with us at PES. It was interesting to 96 T he global offshore wind industry is PES why the choice of coating should be learn that this forward-looking company made by an expert, based on experience already has one of the largest rental developing the next generation of and not just lab tests fleets of ABS PAM certified modules, a offshore wind turbines. These turbines must for business. He is enthusiastic can be more than 270 metres high and 102 The offshore wind turbine installation about current projects and the future are fitted with blades of 120 metres long. Offshore installation vessels market has matured significantly over Think tank currently available on the market are the last decade. For the inexperienced facing increasing difficulties to install observer, or even for some of the 26 In recent years, wind energy has become these types of turbines due to the seasoned offshore professionals, turbines’ sizes and installation heights, the applied installation methods in the main source of renewable energy as well as the ever-increasing foundation Europe are all more, or less the same. and it is expected to be the number 1 dimensions. PES brings you the latest However, only a few of the existing source of power in Europe before 2030 update from the Jan De Nul Group installation vessels will be suitably [1]. By now, thanks to the environmental equipped to meet the demands of the agreements signed by developed Talking point next generation turbines. To avoid countries and being the drive to address an installation bottleneck, designers climate change, an exponential increase 32 ZF Wind Power has been working on and equipment suppliers will remain of wind turbine installations has focussed on purposeful innovation. occurred and much more is predicted in developing plain bearing concepts as a Hear the thoughts of GustoMSC the coming decades. Read our exclusive viable alternative to roller bearings since insight from Ingeteam 2011. A broad study of plain bearing 116 Damen Shipyards Group has design concepts and materials suitable 54 Climate change and the need to reduce for different positions in the gearbox established a firm foothold in the was done. It soon became clear that European offshore wind sector over CO2 emissions are drivers for the plain bearings are a contributor to the the last decade. Now the Dutch rising demand of renewable energy anticipated need for torque density shipbuilding and maritime services sources. With proven experience and increase as well as cost reduction. company is turning its attention to an impressive 20-year track record, the emerging market of the American Van Oord is leading the way in the 50 Wirescan has offered the innovative offshore wind industry. Here Damen’s transition towards renewable energy Director Business Development & by constructing offshore wind projects. and non-destructive LIRA cable testing Market Intelligence, David Stibbe and With innovative solutions, Van Oord technology to the market for some Area Manager North America, Daan contributes significantly to making wind years now. We have been watching the Dijxhoorn, discuss some of the main energy more competitive industry and looking at innovation, new issues involved in the development technologies and how the cable testing of offshore wind in American waters, industry can make the transition to the and the way that Damen is tailoring digital age… both its services and portfolio to meet American requirements WWW.PESWIND.COM 5

ASK THE EXPERTS: ACCOMMODATION A landmark 25 offshore wind projects ensure valuable experience How does the offshore wind service and accommodation industry keep up with operators’ requirements? The industry has changed over the years and now wind farms are farther and farther from the shore, making accommodation an even more important focus for employers, who want to make sure their highly skilled workers are well rested and relaxed, whilst on site for longer periods of time. PES asked C-bed’s Managing Director, Jesper Nielsen how his company has evolved over the years. Jesper Nielsen 6 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: ACCOMMODATION PES: It’s great to have you back with us at carefully selected employees, high PES and have the opportunity to catch up on standards remain a priority for us. With our the developments at C-bed. quality hotel levels for offshore technicians, we keep pursuing our ‘almost better than Jesper Nielsen: Thank you, it’s great to be home’ strategy. with you again. Furthermore, our employees have been PES: So, just what is the secret behind involved in more wind farm projects than reaching the 25 projects mark? their average counterpart, which often makes us an attractive sounding board at the JN: I believe, the secret is a mix of early stage of a project. experience, knowledge and the right people. The experience comes from pioneering the PES: How would you describe your current market in 2008. We saw a gap in the market vessel, Wind Innovation? for offshore accommodation, as wind farms gradually gained distance from the shore and JN: I think that Wind Innovation has a unique over 100 installation technicians were design where all our years of experience have transported by small vessels to and from culminated to optimise flows in the vessel, remote sites. for the on-board technicians. Our idea was simple: we would convert a In 2015, the technical industry requirements ferry into an offshore hotel which would then were gradually evolving from ferries at be anchored at the wind farm and allow for anchor to modern advanced SOVs. We stuck easy transfers. This concept worked very with our original strategy and co-designed a well for years, before new requirements commissioning SOV, with Siemens Wind pushed for the introduction of SOVs to Power. The intent was to reach across-the- replace the ferries. board technical superiority. Thereby, the vessel was carefully selected, redesigned and With 11 years of accumulated offshore ultimately rebuilt in close collaboration with accommodation experience and a team of the client. WWW.PESWIND.COM 7

ASK THE EXPERTS: ACCOMMODATION 8 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: ACCOMMODATION ‘The introduction of Wind Innovation’s 80 single cabins is most welcome from my perspective.’ In addition, she has special characteristics In 2017, daily charter rates were barely able to Facts about C-bed floating hotels such as a sheltered cargo deck, 80 single cover operating expenses, but we chose to Danish offshore ship-owning company cabins and flexible gangway access ranging stick to our high standards and premium founded in 2008 from 12 to 26 metres, which brings her high solutions to positively differentiate Employs around 75 maritime specialists up on the list of best-in-class vessels on ourselves. Looking back, it was the right Strong track record with 25 individual operational limits. decision, and we are happy to have kept the offshore projects in Northern Europe many small details that make C-bed unique since 2008 PES: We would love to know about projects and to maintain our high service levels. 3,772 safely completed gangway you are you currently working on? transfers on Wind Innovation since the PES: What trends are you seeing here on the first project in 2016. JN: C-bed is currently deployed in the cusp of 2020? Are there any current changes Involved in the installation of a total German sector of the North Sea to service in behaviour from the wind operators? 9,572 MW of green energy the Trianel Windpark Borkum II offshore wind farm. Here, Wind Innovation is JN: I would say that they moved from wind to oil Facts about Wind Innovation supporting the installation and & gas - and now they are back again. We see Registration: commissioning of 32 turbines. that many oil & gas vessels have left offshore Builder Mjellem & Karlsen Verft AS wind and returned to their original environment Year built 1999 (converted 2016) We have been working on the Trianel project after oil prices picked up last year. Classifications DNV-GL since the summer and expect to continue Comfort Class 3 SPS into Q1 2020. Also, what we see is that after a few years of IMO 9189512 using smaller teams of technicians for the Registry London PES: Could you tell us what differences in commissioning phases, resulting in smaller Dimensions: requirements for offshore service and vessel requirements, a new trend is starting Length (LOA) 93.4m accommodation you have noticed over the to appear. Breadth MId. 22.0m past 5 years? Summer Draught 6.2m Now, the larger vessels dedicated to offshore Gross Tonnage 8,395 JN: Overall, I am pleased to conclude that the wind with room for 50+ passengers are once Vessel details: industry has gone from being considered a again in demand, however, most of the newly Walk-to-work Uptime 23.4m heave means of optimisation to a project necessity. built SOVs can only accommodate around 35 compensated We are now a key component in modern wind passengers. The introduction of Wind Offshore crane Norcrane 5mt @ 23m farm construction. Innovation’s 80 single cabins is most Helideck D= 22.2m L= 12.8t welcome from my perspective. Accommodation: If I take a closer look at the market for SOVs, Total POB 140 there has been a significant increase in the PES: Looking to the future – where do you Total PAX 105 (80 single cabins) intensity of rivalry as a result of the downturn think the offshore service industry and in the neighbouring oil & gas sector C-bed heading? WWW.PESWIND.COM 9 Shipowners, previously engaged in the JN: In the future, C-bed must capitalise on collapsed oil & gas sector, were now the unparalleled experienced we have gained desperate for employment and started over the past 11 years. When I try to look 3-5 equipping suitable vessels with gangway years ahead, I see an industry with a growing systems and hotel staff to aggressively number of big players with multiple large compete for projects in offshore wind. This vessels in their fleet. Competition will grow, significant influx of tonnage migrating from but at the same time, requirements from the the oil & gas sector rapidly shifted the market operators favour logistics that work on the supply curve as the number of available project from day one, in order not to stay on vessels quadrupled from 2015 to 2016. schedule with the increasingly large offshore wind projects. Over the last five years, there has also been an increase in the demand for vessels that At C-bed, we are therefore confident that are able to assist with more than just Wind Innovation and the experience we have accommodation. Clients now request on board will continue to be our market edge services like ROV support, helicopter and will also take us beyond 2020. transfers and offshore bunkering options, for both CTVs and generator testing on site. www.c-bed.com

CONFERENCE CALL Credit: David Plas Europe needs to reach 450 GW of offshore wind by 2050 WindEurope Offshore 2019 is where the journey begins. Taking place on 26th to 28th November, the Copenhagen event will gather the entire offshore wind industry as it prepares to scale up to meet the Paris Agreement. PES brings you a comprehensive preview to this key event. 10 PES WIND

CONFERENCE CALL Offshore wind is set to play a major role in the neutral. Day One of the event will mark the But in order to meet the Paris Agreement, world’s energy mix, according to a new report launch of a flagship report bearing the same Europe needs to deploy up to 450 GW of from the International Energy Agency (IEA). title. Both the report and the event are offshore wind by 2050. This is an enormous In its ‘Offshore Wind Outlook 2019’, the IEA landmark events in the history of offshore leap from where we are today. The impact predicts that global offshore capacity may wind energy. They present an unprecedented would be significant. Not only would it play a rise 15-fold by 2040. In the wake of this challenge to the wind industry: Europe needs vital role in decarbonising Europe’s economy, announcement by the IEA, Europe’s largest major expansion of its offshore wind needs it would also translate into thousands of new offshore wind conference and exhibition will fleet in the coming decades. This event, and jobs and provide 30% of Europe’s future take place in Copenhagen’s Bella Center. its report, are about how offshore will take its electricity demand. place at the core of Europe’s clean energy mix. WindEurope Offshore 2019 will attract more ‘Falling costs and technology development than 9,000 visitors and playing host to over The conference: Building a 450 GW future have made offshore wind an obvious choice 400 exhibitors. With offshore wind staking a for countries as a source of energy,’ says claim to ever more of the globe’s energy mix, The IEA’s Executive Director, Faith Birol, WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson. ‘The IEA the decision to host this event in recently said that offshore wind will be the says we’ll have up to 130-180 GW by 2040. Copenhagen was easy. Unlocking the full number one source of power generation in a This is actually conservative: we’ll already potential of European offshore wind will carbon neutral Europe by 2050. Wind energy have 90 GW by 2030, thanks to the increased require vision and commitment, and now makes up 14% of the EU’s power commitments Governments have made Denmark is setting an ambitious example for demand. 20 GW of this is in Europe’s offshore since they started writing their National other countries to follow. Across Europe, fleet, whose 105 wind farms and 4,500 Energy & Climate Plans. The EU Denmark has the highest share of wind turbines now provide 60,000 jobs. The IEA Commission’s eight scenarios for 2050 energy in its electricity demand – 41% last thinks European offshore wind capacity will envisage between 230 and 450 GW by 2050, year – and is home to many of the towering reach 130-180 GW by 2040. They say falling and that’s what we’re aiming for.’ giants of the wind industry. costs and ‘remarkable technological progress’ – bigger turbines and floating One of the key elements to making this work, Indeed, it is ambition that sets the offshore wind – will drive progress. They also Dickson says, is collaboration and WindEurope Offshore 2019 event apart. The say that offshore wind is already as stable a cooperation. ‘Sector-wide collaboration and event theme is Our energy, our future. How form of power generation as coal and gas in innovations are key in making this transition a offshore wind will help Europe go carbon- many places, given its high capacity factors. success,’ says Event Ambassador Pieter van WWW.PESWIND.COM 11

CONFERENCE CALL Credit: David Plas approach to marine spatial planning, incorporating the principles of multiple use Oord, Chief Executive Officer with Van Oord. industry’s ambition. Over the three days of and happy co-existence with other sectors. Fellow Event Ambassador Philippe Kavafyan, this event, attendees will get a global, Europe also needs major investments in grid CEO of MHI Vestas, agrees, saying ‘Offshore first-hand view of the trends and the capacity, including a pooling of assets in wind is now due to play a central role in the technologies, the opportunities and the hybrid, hub and spoke wind farms and grid decarbonisation of Europe. Policymakers, challenges currently facing the offshore connections. corporates and citizens as a whole shall work wind sector. together to unlock its full potential.’ The keynote speakers and high-level In addition to the coordination of policy and panellists represent a cross section of the Accordingly, the conference will focus on regulation between different countries, political, technological, and market interests the concrete steps needed to actualise the Europe will require a strategic and long-term in offshore development. They include: Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen: WindEurope Chairman Gunnar Groebler; Lithuanian Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas; Laurent Michel, Director-General of the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidarity Transition; RWE Renewables CEO Anja Dotzenrath; Claude Turmes, Eddie O’Connor, and many more. Beyond high-level plenaries and ministerial sessions, more than 250 speakers will focus on issues in finance, system integration & electrification, happy coexistence with other sea users, policy & markets, science & research, resource assessment, O&M, supply chain and logistics, and turbine technology. Offshore wind is a European innovation success story, and Europe is ready to do business and build partnerships with representatives from the US and Asia who will be in Copenhagen. This reflects the fact that offshore wind is breaking boundaries – geographically and technologically. As Event Credit: David Plas 12 PES WIND

WHAT’S BEYOND THE HORIZON? Find out in COPENHAGEN at Offshore 2019, the world’s leading offshore wind event. 26-28 November 2019 Bella Center Find out more at: windeurope.org/offshore2019 EVENT AMBASSADORS: IN COLLABORATION WITH: To become an exhibitor or sponsor please contact: [email protected]

CONFERENCE CALL Ambassador Martin Neubert, CEO Offshore Credit: David Plas Signaller Training, incorporating crane, hook with Ørsted, says, ’A Europe that runs and load. entirely on green energy will ensure year’s event is the Innovation Park. sustainable growth for all Europeans. It is a Sponsored by InnoEnergy, the Innovation There will be daily sessions at Siemens giant task,’ Neubert says, ‘but we have the Park is a pavilion designed to showcase fresh Gamesa Renewable Energy’s Global Markets technologies and solutions at hand.’ voices and new ideas in wind energy. Theatre, an offshore wind installation game Start-ups and European Projects will give by DOB-Academy, and wind farm visits. Innovations like floating wind are poised to presentations on the Innovation Stage and Finally, as at all WindEurope events, there will unlock theoretically unlimited expanses of network throughout the event. be plenty of stand parties and receptions, ocean for offshore energy. And the growing including the Opening Reception at the power and potential of offshore wind is The GWO-sponsored Safety, Skills and Iberdrola stand on 26 November and the Gala proving ever more attractive to investors, Training Zone is a unique 200m² area Dinner on 27 November, taking place in the with fossil fuel players now actively pursuing showcasing the industry’s commitment to an magnificent Copenhagen City Hall. synergies between offshore wind, oil and injury-free working environment. Visitors gas. Speaking about this, Event Ambassador there will witness a spectacular series of For more information on this event, and Dorine Bosman (Vice President Offshore demonstrations, including Sea Survival to register your place at WindEurope Wind, Shell) says, ’Shell is making progress in Training using a specially constructed 60m³ Offshore 2019, visit the energy transition: growing our renewable swimming pool, Advanced Rescue Training https://windeurope.org/offshore2019/ power projects, signing PPAs and supplying from a 6-metre high scaffold and Slinger lower-carbon solutions to our customers. Our collaborative work in offshore wind, including innovative floating-wind technologies, can help deliver clean electricity at the sort of scale that Europe will need to become climate-neutral by 2050.’ The exhibition This forward-thinking of the conference will also be on full display on the exhibition floor. More than 400 exhibitors representing 30 countries will be there. Exhibitors range from major league players in the offshore industry like to start-ups and community projects seeking to make vital networking connections and establish their brand. WindEurope deputy CEO Malgosia Bartosik says the event is ‘unbeatable as an opportunity to build contacts, promote your brand, exchange ideas, and connect with those at the forefront of offshore wind.’ One of the most notable additions to this WindEurope Offshore 2019 Facts and Figures What? Europe’s largest offshore wind conference and exhibition Where? Center Boulevard 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark When? 26-28 November 2019 Number of participants: 9,000+ Number of exhibitors: 400+ Number of speakers: 250+ Event Ambassadors Philippe Kavafyan, Chief Executive Officer, MHI Vestas Martin Neubert, CEO Offshore, Ørsted Dorine Bosman, Vice President – Offshore Wind, Shell Pieter van Oord, Chief Executive Officer, Van Oord Credit: David Plas 14 PES WIND

Wind Energy IMAGINING THE WIND Ingeteam is the world’s #1 independent supplier of wind power converters. We offer proven and reliable electrical equipment up to 15 MW for onshore and offshore applications. We give active support for each specific project throughout the entire product life cycle. We can supply equipment from any of our production facilities in Europe, Asia, North and South America, applying the same standards and know-how. Our R&D Policy is focused on reliability and cost effectiveness from a global point of view, optimizing the whole solution in terms of Levelized Cost of Energy. We are flexible in designs and R&D solutions, operations, different business models or additional value-added services.

PES ESSENTIAL Decommissioning, waste and recycling The CompositeLoop project is a feasibility study that proposes short term solutions in Flanders, Belgium for the valorisation of large thermoset end-of-life GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastics) structures such as wind turbine blades, boats and yachts, profiles, silos. The study is based on literature review and input captured during three interactive workshops with stakeholders over the entire decommissioning to waste valorisation value chain. It identifies promising local short-term scenario’s, with the purpose of initiating synergies within the value chain, allowing further technical and commercial development of recycling solutions as a next phase. 16 PES WIND

PES ESSENTIAL 1 L arge GFRP structures with fast-growing €1500 for a 10-12 m craft and €15,000 for a transporting the waste treatment waste volumes 15 m vessel. equipment to the on shore wind turbine, where the blades are handled, processed Wind energy is the strongest renewable Compared to metals, composites have a very and immediately ready for transport. energy source currently in Europe and it will low scrap value, making it uninteresting for In the case of on shore wind turbines, it is only increase because to reach the EU goals vessel owners to recycle them. In practice, often a waste treatment company that of 32% renewable energy by 2030, significant many boats are abandoned, leaving marina executes the whole action chain: increase in wind power capacity is required. and the authorities in charge. In Belgium, it decommissioning, transport, recycling. In off Wind turbines are being built since 1980s and was estimated that there are 85 vessels/year shore blades, the process typically includes boomed around 90s and 00s. They have going to waste, representing composite the installer of wind turbines, for efficient 20-25 years of lifetime. Thinking about the waste of around 100 ton/year. At European management of the transportation actions development in wind energy in the last 40 level, 50.000 tons/year is estimated for 2020 to the harbour. For the cutting technology, years, it is understandable that every year in the entire Europe. specific precautions are taken to prevent more wind turbines are reaching their end of uncontrolled emission of saw dust and other life. In 2018 alone, total of 421MW of wind The table below summarises the numbers in waste to air and soil. Most often grinding and power was decommissioned where 14MW previous paragraphs, for the year 2035: was from offshore wind plants1. Belgium Wind Europe The expected blade waste till 2050 is shown Boats/vessels 180 kton 4 kton in Figure 1. In Belgium, these volumes are >50 kton quite limited compared to the whole Europe. 100 ton In the CompositeLoop project, it is predicted Waste streams in Belgium are fairly small, and that in 2035 about 4000 tonnes of blade expected to be most easily organized for sawing is used, but waterjet cutting is a waste will be available in Belgium by wind industry, where boats and vessels can promising alternative, limiting dust and considering the existing wind farms and their be an important added stream. It should be severe laminate damage during cutting. commissioning years. The wind turbine noted that waste from building and blades are mostly composed of GFRP, the construction and storage application are also 3 End of life strategies internal lay-up usually consists of different significant, but not taken into account for layers and fiber directions of glass fiber and short term solutions, due to the non-uniform 3.1 Reuse-Repurpose other materials such as balsa, some metals at and unstable nature of the waste stream. the root and coatings as well. This variation The reuse approach has a large potential for and the internal layup have no standard 2 Dismantling, transportation and high value reuse, resulting in several case distribution; it changes from one blade to processing studies, shown in the pictures. The another. This makes recycling of the blades implementation of reuse and repurpose is quite challenging. Reducing the dismantling costs requires still rare. on-site handling and shredding of It is estimated that 6 million recreational composite blades into granulate, and 3.2 Thermal Recycling (incineration and boats exist in Europe alone. With boat subsequently postprocessors of granulate co-processing) lifespans of 30-45 years, some 140,000 of should be located as close as possible to these vessels per year can be expected to land farms. New technologies to efficiently For an efficient waste treatment, become due for scrapping. Most will be combine transport and shredding needs are incineration of GFRP is of little interest, since composite and the majority of those will be fully explored in industry today by 50-70% of the material (the glass fiber GFRP. Since 140,000 vessels are expected to companies that typically provide both fraction) is of mineral origin and is left behind be end of life per year, many initiatives have solutions. For example, the company as ash after the process. Still, most of the described a way forward for the recycling of Reciclalia has chosen for the approach of GFRP that is collected through mixed boats. For example, researchers of the industrial waste, is processed via this route. BOATCYCLE project in Spain and Italy,Blade mass [tonnes] However, co-processing is gaining more calculated that the average cost of attention as it is pushed forward by the conventionally dismantling a 7 m long boat, European Cement Association including logistics, is €800, rising to some (CEMBUREAU) as the best option for recycling glass fiber reinforced thermosets. 600000 In the case of co-processing in a cement 500000 oven, all components within the composite material utilized: the matrix is energetically 400000 valorised as a replacement for fossil fuels (approx. 12 MJ / kg waste), while the glass 300000 fibers, and any fillers - mostly calcium carbonate, are incorporated into the cement 200000 as a filler material. There is ‘material reuse’ up to 70% and ‘energy recovery up to 30% 100000 (the organic fraction). However, the route is not always economically interesting as long as landfilling remains an option. 0 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 3.3 Recycling 2015 Year 2055 Figure 1. Predicted blade waste volumes in Europe until 2050 (reproduced from (Pu Liu, 2017)2) In this section we distinguish end of life scenario’s where the glass fiber is retained at least as a filler material. The longer the WWW.PESWIND.COM 17

PES ESSENTIAL through on short term. In other cases, the granulate is used as a raw material, subsequently mixed with a matrix material. In most cases this mixture is then processed through compression molding. This process is mature and applied by several companies. In the Figures below examples of commercial actors are shown. Even though the technology is readily available, and subsequent research is done for further optimization of the technology, building a viable business remains a challenge. Examples of wind turbine blade reuse (Wikado playground, the Netherlands) 3.4 Thermochemical recovery of glass fibers retained fibers are, the higher the mechanical • Conditioning of the feedstock Some commercial installations in the UK (for performance is of the resulting products. In example ELG) , Spain (Reciclalia) and Germany general the outcome of the recycling process The resulting fractions are then valorized as are processing fiber reinforced composite is a ‘new’ raw material with specific filler materials. If the fillers don’t significantly materials through pyrolysis and focus almost characteristics. contribute to the material properties, they exclusively on carbon fiber waste streams. need to compete with material like calcium Due to the high process temperature 3.3.1 Mechanical Process carbonate which are low value materials (0.5 (400-750°C) the glass fiber sizing and glass €/kg or less). The low value of those filler fiber structure degrade, embrittling the fiber In mechanical processing, GFRP waste is materials often prevents this application to and making it unfit for structural applications. processed as follows: become commercially successful. If the Applications like insulation panels based on fillers contribute to the material properties recycle glass fibers are a good alternative • Cutting to transportable size of the application, the value might be (see: Insulation Wool Mat – ReFiber ApS) and significantly higher. The process control and are demonstrated, but the challenge of • Dry mechanical shredding processes in quality assurance to provide consistent recycling a low cost material with an expensive function of the fiber length required (except feedstock based on a variety of incoming process remains. for thermal valorization) GFRP waste is a significant challenge. 4 Conclusions • Separation of ferrous and non-ferrous The combination of those challenges and metals and other contaminants lack of maturity of the process will probably Entrance of processed GFRP waste streams prevent this recycling route from breaking from large structures can be expected, but it • Crushing (and sieving) to required particle size will take time. Nevertheless, today’s application market is large enough if sufficient end of life waste is provided. It is key that the applications that have the largest potential have the following characteristics: • High value applications using the specific characteristics of the newly formed composite materials in useful functionalities like: low weight, high strengths, corrosion free, UV-resistant, slip 18 PES WIND

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PES ESSENTIAL resistant surface, electrical insulator,… Furthermore, legislation should come to 1 Wind Europe. (February 2019). Wind Energy support such initiatives overcoming high in Europe in 2018. Wind Europe. • L arge potential demand with little variety in production costs and low material value, form and characteristics complemented with joined initiatives from 2 P u Liu, C. Y. (2017). Wind turbine blade industry. waste in 2050. Waste Management, • In a start-up phase applications with a 229-240. market allowing to provide in discontinuous www.sirris.be manner allowing to provide products based 3 F iberline, fiberline.com, accessed in on waste influx blog.sirris.be November 2016 • S calable production technology techniline.sirris.be • A pplications with short material loops Glass fiber reinforced composite waste being shredded to be used in the cement industry3 keeping the distance between decommissioning, recycling and revalorization (production) limited The mass balance as shown below illustrates that there is a large potential of value adding products (up to 8 kton/yr) only in Belgium. The potential market figures are primarily based on the known demand from rail and light rail infrastructural products like cable ducts, crossovers, etc. Even with a significant uncertainty in the figures the high level mass balance indicates that the potential market is probably larger than the waste for large composite structures. It is concluded that the value and waste stream allow only one large waste processor for Belgium (Flanders). The most feasible and desired process today is mechanical recycling. To assure the influx of material it seems inevitable that to focus on collaboration with neighboring regions/countries. The influx of GFRP waste streams from large structures will need to be balanced, the availability of end of life waste should be organized and centered around this waste processor, with production waste to balance the supply a demand. Identified influx waste streams Identified potential market demand of large composite structures of products made from FRP waste Offshore wind 1400 ton/yr 5000 ton/yr Starting with +/- ? ton/yr 15 ton in 2030 150 ton/yr ? Rail ? ton/yr Onshore wind 3000 ton/yr Infrastructure Starting with +/- (water,…) 40 ton in 2025 Maritime applications Yachts Marine 50 ton/yr Current waste stream Industrial applications Yachts other ? ton/yr Recycling potential Current waste stream Silo’s & piping 10 ton/yr Current waste stream Other large size 10 ton/yr waste Current waste stream Total: 70 t/yr tot 4500 t/yr Total: 5000 t/yr tot 8000 t/yr © sirris | www.sirris.be | [email protected] | 1.11.2019 1 20 PES WIND

THINK TANK Large-scale tests for efficient offshore supporting structure designs Words: D ipl.-Ing. Mareike Collmann, Dr.-Ing. Martin Kohlmeier, Dipl.-Ing. Viktor Widerspan, Dr.-Ing. Alexander Schenk, Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES Support structures of wind turbines have already been in serial production for a long time. There are now some 1,350 turbines installed in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea alone. The large dimensions, the high dynamic loads, and the specific environmental conditions offshore pose particular challenges and establish the limits of what design codes cover. Despite this, support structures have only suffered minimal serious damage to date, which means that there may still be untapped potential for making these structures even more streamlined. Cost pressures demand that these reserves be quantified more precisely and that potential be identified. Large-scale tests in particular allow the Increasing hub heights, rotor diameters, and turbines. While the production of monopiles construction and design to be rendered more capacities also equate to ever greater is already optimized in terms of serial customized and thus more efficient. Since masses and changed dynamic structural production, jackets offer the potential to cut 2014, large-scale components and parts boundary conditions for support structures. costs and represent a competitive have been analyzed and tested and, in turn, Image 1 shows the support structure alternative in the face of increasing water design bases and approaches validated in the versions which are currently installed in depths and turbine sizes. Test Center Support Structures in Hanover. European offshore wind farms. With a share This article summarizes the key findings from of around 81%, the majority of turbines 1.2 Balancing safety and cost-efficiency recent project work. continue to be built on monopile foundations. The application limits of this The standardization of details and structures 1 Developments and trends approach have been continuously expanded. as well as the new and further development Due to their low level of complexity, these of concepts for support structures offer 1.1 Supporting structures: versions and structures are quick and simple to cost-cutting potential. When multiplied by their potential manufacture. the large numbers of units, even smaller changes can be cost-effective. An end to the growth in the size of wind Monopiles will continue to dominate the turbines is not yet in sight. Indeed, leading European offshore market, including for the The dimensions and loads of wind turbines turbine manufacturers are poised to start next generation of high-performance are entering ranges for which the design producing models in the 10 MW plus class. approaches in guidelines and standards are WWW.PESWIND.COM 21

THINK TANK Image 1. Support structures and their versions for offshore wind turbines and their proportional distribution in wind farms in the EU as evaluated in November 2018 (a) floating: e.g., spar floater, 0.3%, (b) monopiles 80.9%, (c) jackets on driven piles 8.4%, (d) jackets with suction buckets 0.6%, (e) other versions such as tripods or tripiles 4.2%, (f) gravity foundations 5.6% Source: Distribution evaluated on the basis of www.4coffshore.com. only validated to some extent. The safety element models (FE models). To assess the load-bearing and fatigue behavior of pile concept continues to regard the supporting these, experimental tests are required. One foundations to be tested, including as a structure to be unique with large variance in example is the complex stability failure of product of the installation process, e.g., terms of properties and loads. These two shells as shown in section 2. Testing thus driven, vibrated, or pushed. It is also possible aspects, the previously unseen dimensions plays a key role in ensuring the safety and to consider details of the steel structure on the one hand and the high quantities more economic use of wind energy. under geotechnical boundary conditions. For similar to that of machine engineering on the example, the insertion procedure for a other, can result in both oversizing and under Since 2014, the Test Center Support suction bucket can be simulated under sizing. Structural health monitoring (SHM) is Structures in Hanover has offered a unique realistic boundary conditions in the a central element in detecting a change in testing infrastructure, as shown in image 2, foundation test pit and the construction structural stiffness and thus damage within for large-scale testing in which structures and states which are critical with respect to the supporting structure early on by means components can be tested flexibly and also stability failure due to shell buckling can be of critical details. Targeted monitoring during multi-axially. The foundation test pit enables examined under laboratory conditions. operation also allows the assumptions made during dimensioning and the actual loads Image 2. Test infrastructure at the Test Center Support Structures in Hanover during operation to be compared. Section 4 describes the basics of SHM taking a grout connection as an example. 1.3 L arge-scale tests to validate dimensioning approaches and test procedures The sizes and loads of support structures for wind turbines are now entering unchartered territory in terms of dimensioning. Large- scale tests can validate and further develop the assumptions made during the stage of design, which are essentially based on computer-aided simulations. The production of large test items is complex and expensive; endeavors to validate these test series statistically are not economically viable. The limited and very carefully prepared tests are primarily suited to validating and further developing finite 22 PES WIND

THINK TANK Image 3. Polygon shell in a load-bearing test; left: test setup; right: failed test specimen 2 Steel structure towers for onshore wind towers amongst other things. One example buckling shapes and the buckling loads. turbines in low wind locations of this is the ‘GreT Integral tower concept for wind turbines with large hub heights for 3 Steel structures in the sea: defying 2.1 Motivation onshore sites with low winds involving the offshore fatigue and corrosion efficient use of resources’ joint project A turbine at a low-wind site is not as (BMWI, funding code 0325949B). Within the 3.1 Initial situation scope of this project, Fraunhofer IWES is effective as the same turbine in a high wind performing buckling tests on cylindrical test A holistic take on corrosion protection is an region, thus to ensure economic operation, specimens as well as durability tests important prerequisite for a long-lasting the wind yield of a turbine must be together with its partners. steel detail which is resilient against the increased. This can be done by increasing elements and mechanical loading. Regular the hub height and the rotor diameter. 2.2 Load-bearing tests on shell structures checks and repair in the event of damage are However, a higher tower has an impact upon necessary during operation. Given the poor a series of dimensioning-relevant factors, In order to verify the dimensioning methods accessibility of offshore wind turbines, such such as structural stiffness and vibration used as well as the FE models developed, measures can be up to 70 times more behavior. After all, the tower diameter, sheet cylindrical and polygonal test specimens expensive than on land, which is why the metal thicknesses, and dead weight all measuring 450 mm in diameter, 1,240 mm in steel structures used in offshore wind increase, which results in additional costs height, and with a sheet metal thickness of 1 turbines must be protected from corrosion during production, transportation, and to 2 mm were loaded axially until they damage over their expected service life of assembly. To counter this, the load-bearing buckled. 25 years. reserves of the structures must be identified and used more effectively, The load was applied along a controlled path 3.2 Efficient corrosion protection thanks to material requirements have to be reduced, using a 2 MN hydraulic cylinder until the test coating and the dimensioning, production, and specimen buckled (image 3); the assembly concepts optimized. For this deformations were recorded using an optical The ‘KOWIND’ joint project developed a new reason, intensive research work is being measuring system. In the next step, the tests type of corrosion protection for the tubulars conducted on the clamping field at the Test were simulated again using a FE program as well as their nodes of offshore Center Support Structures in Hanover in system. These results concur closely with foundations. The tubes were covered with a order to improve and optimize the steel the test results both with regard to the polyamide-based thermoplastic protective layer and integrated directly into production; WWW.PESWIND.COM 23

THINK TANK Image 4. Hollow section nodes with an innovative monitoring (SHM) methods are employed for forecasting models developed with this in coating during fatigue testing their monitoring. Here, different sensors are mind could be validated. Further information used to assess the dynamic properties of the can be found in the final report on the QS-M powder was then flame-sprayed onto the still foundation and tower, e.g., the vibration Grout project. unprotected node. The partners were the behavior, and conclusions can then be drawn chemical companies Evonik and TIB as to possible damaging changes. Together 5 Summary and outlook Chemicals, Salzgitter Mannesmann Line with the prescribed recurring tests, this Pipe, Prof. Bellmer’s planning office, the creates the basis for efficient, cost- Large-scale testing of prototypical research institute IFINKOR, and the optimized maintenance planning. components and parts combined with virtual University of Duisburg-Essen. mapping within the scope of an FE simulation 4.2 Features of the grout connection allow load-bearing and fatigue behavior to be A hollow section node with a double K examined specifically under defined configuration was selected as the Grout connections are used both above boundary conditions and knowledge gaps to demonstrator and tested by the Fraunhofer and below water to connect foundation be closed. The insights gained form the basis IWES in the Test Center Support Structures piles with the substructure: e.g. jacket or for validating dimensioning approaches, in Hanover. In the fatigue test, the coated tower structure. The high number of contribute to a more efficient design, hollow section node was tested until the cycles-to-failure make verifying stability a increase safety, and minimize risk. fatigue crack propagates through the wall demanding task which is currently not fully thickness. The demonstration test showed regulated in the latest standards and One important aspect is the targeted that the coating system can also be used on guidelines. Due to their hybrid structure, sensory monitoring of the structure. In complex geometries subjected to high loads, grout connections are classed as robust, combination with the ability to detect although the flame spray technique still yet any damage that occurs is always changes in the turbine’s structural-dynamic needs to be optimized for large parts in terms associated with expensive repairs so that behavior at an early stage, it also allows of temperature control. continuous monitoring should enable the continual assessment of the state of the wind long-term behavior to be predicted. turbine. In close collaboration with the Further information can be found in the final operational management of a wind farm, this reports. 4.3 Testing program allows loads and thus damage to be actively reduced and to subject the wind turbines in a 4 Link between the foundation and tower: Changes in the structural mechanical and farm to equal loading as far as possible. structural monitoring of grout structural dynamic behavior are, in essence, During the operational phase, the service life connections depicted more accurately, i.e., with fewer of individual turbines in the farm can be deviations from the actual behavior, using optimized early on. 4.1 S tructural health monitoring for large-scale models. Such tests were monitoring the supporting structure performed to investigate the damage www.iwes.fraunhofer.de mechanism and assess the structural health Permanent monitoring systems have proven monitoring systems of Fraunhofer IWES in Acknowledgments their worth for machine components within cooperation with Wölfel Engineering GmbH & the framework of condition monitoring and, Co. KG as part of the QS-M Grout project. The results presented were compiled as today, represent the state of the art. part of numerous research projects. The Supporting structures do not normally have The progressive damage and simultaneous authors would like to express their rotating components, so structural health monitoring using the existing control and gratitude for the financial support from measuring technology was enhanced with the Federal Ministry of Research and the recording of the non-linear damage Education and the Federal Ministry for behavior. The SHM system was able to record Economic Affairs and Energy. Fur- the damage testing on the grout connection thermore, the authors would like to in the clamping field as well as the resulting thank their research partners. changes in the behavior of the overall foundation system in the foundation test pit. Contacts: In the scale model, an offshore-like system was simulated, damaged, and evaluated by Dipl.-Ing. Mareike Collmann means of SHM. [email protected] 4.4 Modeling Dr.-Ing. Martin Kohlmeier [email protected] Numerical models were derived on the basis of CAD models. This rendered a Dipl.-Ing. Viktor Widerspan comprehensive numerical analysis with the [email protected] aid of the finite element method possible during the design phase and subsequently Dr.-Ing. Alexander Schenk during data analysis following conclusion of [email protected] the tests. This meant that the overall dynamic structural and damping behavior of Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy the monopile supporting structure model Systems IWES could be recorded in the test under offshore- Merkurstraße 13 like conditions and that the numerical 30419 Hanover Germany 24 PES WIND

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THINK TANK The development of a MV power converter for FC wind turbines up to 15MW In recent years, wind energy has become the main source of renewable energy and it is expected to be the number 1 source of power in Europe before 2030 [1]. By now, thanks to the environmental agreements signed by developed countries and being the drive to address climate change, an exponential increase of wind turbine installations has occurred and much more is predicted in the coming decades. With the rapid change of the wind industry Canada, India, Germany). Such cost reduction rate. based on the increase of the number of reductions are driven by several factors, onshore wind turbines together with the such as the continuous technological Definitively, to continue improving the take-off of the offshore installations, the improvement, which is expected to remain performance of the wind turbines, while requirements for grid integration are getting a constant in the renewable power maintaining or even increasing the increasingly demanding [2]. generation market. reliability, having a deep knowledge of the technology is crucial for the power Even if onshore wind power still has a growth Along with the technological improvement, converter developments. margin, the most optimal locations are taken the main wind turbine manufacturers in most countries and now eyes are focused increase the power rate of the turbines year Design procedure on the sea. The advantage of locating wind by year [4]. Especially offshore, wind farms turbines offshore is that the wind is much tend to have larger turbines, with the aim of Based on the long experience in the wind stronger, and unlike onshore, gusts can be decreasing grid connection and installation industry and the deep knowledge about strong in the afternoon, matching the time of costs, thus increasing the cost core components composing a power higher electricity demand. However, effectiveness of the turbine. In the end, converter, Ingeteam applies a design offshore installations are more expensive, bigger wind turbines with larger swept areas procedure that allows optimizing the power with difficult access and much harsher harvest more electricity from the same converter solution, developing power conditions than onshore. resource. What at the same time becomes converter products up to 15MW for one of the most important challenges in offshore environments. The optimization of the LCoE (Levelized terms of technology? Cost of Energy) has been the path within Figure 1 shows the simplified chart of the the wind industry over the past years [3], Due to the above-mentioned factors, product design procedure. This procedure is highly influenced by the low prices fixed on having cost-optimal power converters is a divided in three main parts, Firmware, the auction system, extended in almost must in order to survive in such a Quality and Hardware. Following, the details every country around the world (i.e. Brazil, competitive wind market following the costs of each part will be described. 26 PES WIND

THINK TANK Software In Hardware the Loop In the Loop FIRMWARE CCU QUALITY RAMS methodology Full Scale Field HARDWARE Test Tests Power Electronic Modules Bench Electrical engineering Mechanical engineering Power Converter Type tests Air conditioning system Cabinet Figure 1: Ingeteam simplified product design procedure Firmware: SIL and HIL the real Converter Control Unit (CCU) and maintainability and availability. simulating the plant of the converter by Software In the Loop (SIL) and Hardware In real-time models. The LCoE of the power converter is the Loop (HIL) techniques are used influenced, on the one hand, by the cost, and throughout the design procedure to These two platforms are the key for software on the other hand, by the availability. The guarantee a robust and reliable firmware with validation in order to optimize the power lower the converter cost and the higher its an agile and flexible evolution. converter and to always assure the reliability availability, the lower LCoE is obtained. of the solution. As a first step, by SIL simulation executable Availability (in direct relationship with code is tested within a modelling environment. Quality: RAMS methodology reliability) can be measured with two metrics, Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Afterwards, a HIL test bench is Ingeteam implements a reliability model to Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). parameterized to verify the behaviour of the ensure the fulfilment of the high standard system, containing the firmware running at requirements of the wind industry in terms of Ingeteam’s reliability model is based on the Figure 2: Ingeteam Simulation platform WWW.PESWIND.COM 27

THINK TANK calculation of the MTBF, considering the failure rate of its subsystems and components. The parameterization of the equations used takes into account standards like IEC 61709 or SN 29500, databases, supplier studies, Ingeteam’s file data and even Accelerated Lifetime Tests (ALT). Hardware: design and validation Dedicated test benches are used for in-house full characterization of main components and subassemblies at the real application limits. First, laboratory test results are used for feeding the simulation models in charge of fixing the operation limits of each component. Thanks to these real test results, the power converter design is completely optimized to the final application needs and operation points. Afterwards, the complete power converter cabinet is validated according to internal HW validation protocol, including most Figure 3: MTBF model 28 PES WIND

POWER STACK DESIGN PROCESS (I) TALKING POINT POWER STACK DESIGN PROCESS (I) POWER STACK DESIGN PROCESS (II) Figure 4: Hardware design and validation demanding tests such as climatic tests, short Figure 5: Full scale test bench circuit tests, vibration and IP tests, EMC tests, etc. among others. Full scale test bench and field tests Once, both firmware and hardware are validated, the whole assembly is tested together with the generator at a full-scale test bench in order to verify the most demanding operation points of the application. The last step of the validation consists of field tests, where the power converter is installed in the wind turbine and tested according to integration requirements, such as power quality and FRT. Ingeteam solution up to 15MW Following the described design procedure, optimal and reliable power converters are developed by Ingeteam for different wind turbine topologies. The proposal for the offshore wind market is a Medium Voltage Power Converter based on the parallelization of several conversion lines (core product) reaching up to the 15 MW power range. WWW.PESWIND.COM 29

THINK TANK Figure 6: INGECON®WIND FC MV Solution for Offshore application This medium voltage converter has been optimize the power converter solution. the time to market of the whole design. specially designed for the offshore market with Thanks to dedicated test benches, Ingeteam a fully enclosed cabinet and a liquid cooling fully characterizes the power converter For more information: www.ingeteam.com system that guarantees the safe operation of performance, allowing its capability to the converter even in harsh environments. extend up to its limits. [1] W indEurope press release Wind on track to become Europe’s number one The design of the converter offers RAMS metrics (MTBF & MTTR) of the product electricity source (November 2017). maintenance friendly characteristics with are also evaluated in order to ensure the front access and withdrawable main fulfillment of the high standards [2] Renewable Energy 134. German incentive components that directly contribute to requirements of the wind industry in terms of regulation and its practical impact on the minimize the OPEX related to the service of reliability and availability. grid integration of renewable energy the wind turbine, therefore optimizing the systems (2019). LCoE of the product. Considering these steps throughout the product design, together with an extensive [3] International Renewable Energy Agency Main conclusions experience in wind applications, Ingeteam Global renewable energy cost trends develops optimized power converters for (2018) Deep knowledge in advanced techniques of wind turbines up to 15MW, while at the same hardware and firmware development and time the on-site validation and certification [4] R educing Wind Energy Costs through validation are a key factor in order to phase are drastically minimized, thus reducing Increased Turbine Size: Is the Sky the Limit? (2016) 30 PES WIND

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TALKING POINT Plain bearings as a viable alternative to roller bearings In recent years, manufacturers for wind turbine gearboxes have been challenged with high expectations from OEMs to continuously increase torque density and reduce costs. As rotor sizes have increased, rotational speed has decreased (in view of tip speed limitations related to noise) and design torque for the gearbox has increased proportionally. In view of transport, handling, and assembly limits, gearbox manufacturers are confronted with the need to design higher torque gearboxes in the same design space as previous generations of wind turbines. This explains the growing need for torque density increase, i.e. the ability to transfer higher Beartinorgquaerlreavnelgs ethmroeunght the same outer dimensions. In order to increase the Nm/kg and reduce Planet gear Mt the €/kNm, ZF Wind Power has assessed Fr several approaches to increase gearbox Floating sleeve torque density, which enables the company bearing to develop gearbox solutions for higher torque levels. Measures must be taken on Planet pin different components to increase overall gearbox loadabililty within the specified Axial outer dimensions. This starts with the gear trust washers component loadability, but also includes loadability of the bearings as well as Bearing arrangement castings and connections. In recent years, ZF Wind Power has managed to increase gearbox torque density from 105 Nm/kg to 175 Nm/kg. Plain bearing technology is an important contributor in this torque density increase. Challenges to tackle ZF Wind Power has been working on developing plain bearing concepts as a viable alternative to roller bearings since 2011. A broad study of plain bearing design concepts and materials suitable for different positions in the gearbox was done. It soon became clear that plain bearings are a contributor to ZF IW Technology CWD 2019 © ZF Friedrichshafen AG 1 32 PES WIND

Real size system test rig for planets TALKING POINT Gearboxes E-drive Size: 5 x 3 m Hydraulic Torque Motor (0-200kNm) © ZF Friedrichshafen AG 2 Real size system test rig for planets CWD 2019 ZF IW Technology the anticipated need for torque density the so-called ‘floating sleeve’ design was plain bearing concept to be done in an increase as well as cost reduction. chosen, i.e. a bronze bushing that freely iterative way. Several gearboxes rotates between the planet pin’s outer incorporating the floating sleeve bearings The main challenge, however, is to find the surface and the planet wheel’s inner surface. were tested at the system level using ZF’s right choice of materials and design in-house dynamic test rig. parameters to guarantee smooth operation These concepts were thoroughly tested on in all wind turbine loading conditions. different levels: material testing specifically The test programme included critical Whereas most of the known plain bearing in mixed friction conditions, testing on operation points along the power curve, solutions run at a rather constant high speed component and sub-system level, as well as including start/stop, overload, and and relatively low load conditions, the wind gearbox testing on the system test rig and in overspeed conditions. Furthermore, survival turbine loading conditions are quite the the field. For the sub-system-level testing, states like no-load, rotation under opposite, i.e. rather high load in combination ZF Wind Power developed and built a emergency lubrication conditions, and cold with relatively low rotational speed, and a dedicated test rig which emulates the effect chamber tests were performed in a separate combination of transient conditions, such as of the gear meshes and deformation of the test set-up. Finally, several technology start-stops, load reversals, etc. components in the planetary stage in real demonstrators were put up in the field. Field size. The rig includes two gearboxes, each performance to date has been positive. The main challenges are in the low-speed with two pinion shafts and a planet gear in Inspection results from the disassembled planetary stage, where the combination of between. The two gear meshes simulate the gearboxes that returned from the field after relatively low speeds and the flexible real-size planet environment for the floating one year of operation were positive overall. surrounding components can bring the plain sleeve test specimen. A variable hydraulic bearing into mixed friction conditions. motor torques the gearboxes and Up to serial production dynamically loads the test specimen. An in-house test rig to optimise the plain Technology readiness of these plain bearing bearing concept The behaviour of the test specimen is concepts is at such a level that steps monitored by a range of sensors. Different towards serialisation are now being taken. ZF Wind Power was able to successfully design variants of the floating sleeve Current new product developments in the 4 develop a first generation of plain bearing concept can be tested in a broad variety of to 5 MW onshore market segment are concepts, where the designs are running conditions. Simulation models are incorporating the floating sleeve plain characterised by a cautious choice of design validated in-depth via this Design of bearing concept. Preparation for serial parameters, i.e. relatively soft materials Experiments (DoE) approach, with said production in terms of the production (including bronze) operating in moderate validation allowing for optimisations of the processes, quality assurance system, and pressure regimes. For the planetary stages, supply chain setup is ongoing. WWW.PESWIND.COM 33

TALKING POINT ‘Field performance to date has been positive. Inspection results from the disassembled gearboxes that returned from the field after one year of operation were positive overall.’ Torque Density Evolution 200 180 160 140 Nm/kg 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2008 Torque Density Evolution In view of needed torque density to fit the ZF Wind Power With state-of-the-art manufacturing gearbox into given nacelle dimensions, plain plants and service locations around the bearings clearly have an advantage over With more than 120 GW of wind energy world, ZF Wind Power is dedicated to roller bearings in terms of outer dimensions installed worldwide, ZF Wind Power is a delivering advanced gearbox solutions and for the same loadability level. competent partner, supplying major services on a global scale, meeting the manufacturers of gear-driven wind individual needs of the world’s wind To keep pace with the OEM’s product turbines with a gearbox output range of up market. Headquartered in Belgium, the roadmaps for future wind turbine platform to 9.5 MW power capacity and serving all company has a global footprint with extensions, ZF Wind Power is continuously key wind-power segments. manufacturing and service presence in pushing gearbox developments up the Europe, China, India, and the USA. As a torque density curve. For this, the current ZF is determined to be the leading continuous innovator, ZF anticipates the plain bearing designs will have to be taken designer, producer, and supplier in geared trend towards intelligent systems by closer to the limits. With a clear focus on the solutions for onshore and offshore wind enabling performance optimisation of the next steps in plain bearing technology for turbines and is committed to succeeding overall wind turbine. planetary stages, ZF is working on in making wind power the most attractive downsizing the plain bearing and planet pin energy source in the future. ZF – Putting Wind Energy in Motion. combination for the planet positions through an innovative integration of functions. www.zf.com/windpower 34 PES WIND

ZF puts wind energy in motion Leading gearbox technology and service. Visit ZF.com/windpower

ASK THE EXPERTS: VESSELS Expansion and development in keeping with group ethos It was a great pleasure for PES to catch up with David Kristensson, CEO of Northern Offshore Services. There is no doubt that the strong environmental ethos, along with the commitment to staff, in terms of working conditions and training, and the emphasis on customer satisfaction, makes this company a beacon in the offshore industry. Whilst acknowledging the current uncertainties, they are expanding and developing new zero emissions CTVs. David Kristensson 36 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: VESSELS PES: Welcome back to PES Wind magazine, The offshore wind industry is by far the most operation departments. This gives a David. It’s been just over a year since we last important market for us, which means that we greater proximity to our crew and vessels, spoke so the for our new readers could you invest a great deal in helping our customers to which is another enhancement we are give us an overview of Northern Offshore be efficient. I’m very happy to report that benefiting from. Of course, there is always Services and the importance of the wind during the year, N-O-S has also grown and room for improvement and our quest for industry to you? gained a bigger share of the market. We have this will continue. also increased our fleet with two new vessels, David Kristensson: Thank you. We are which we see as a confirmation that we are Another change is we as owners have also grateful for your interest in our business heading the right direction... acquired a colleague in the industry, which is group. We work in a very interesting now part of our company group Northern industry with almost endless business PES: We would love to know if there have Offshore Group. This means the group is even possibilities, but it is also very competitive, been any notable changes in the company or bigger and today we operate about 65 vessels. which means that during the year we have its operations? worked hard on our internal efficiency. PES: We know that company values have Thinking about how we can improve and give DK: As I mentioned earlier, we have almost always been of paramount importance? even more value to our customers. The 40 vessels in operation and have reached a How does this contribute to your growth? results of our internal measurements show fleet size where it is important to take that this is having a positive effect, on both advantage of the cooperation this DK: Strong and clear values and a similar our efficiency and operations. provides. We have also changed our way of approach help us in working towards the organizing our vessels and created smaller same goals, which in turn, helps to keep the WWW.PESWIND.COM 37

ASK THE EXPERTS: VESSELS company and the employees together. I emission CTV to come into service? their own way provide services to the offshore believe strongly in our values and that we all industry. benefit from them. These values are the DK: Our new E-class will be delivered in two ones I grew up with on the island of Donsö. years. This vessel is another step for us PES: What do you think makes you stand towards meeting the UN’s sustainable out from the competition? I grew up with role models, who had a strong development goals in Agenda 2030. ethos, which they carried on within their DK: We have our vision that we should be companies and which helped them become PES: A part from your CTVs, you offer a BEST 365, to do our best every day and not successful. When you expand as a company, range of services to the offshore market, stray from that. This I believe and know helps your values are one of the most important which of these are proving most important us to keep focused and empowers us to parameters you have. They provide a good to your customers and why do you think provide a good service. philosophy, which in turn, enables the that is? employees to develop and grow. We are also very proud of our vessels and we DK: We are constantly trying to provide our have the inhouse resources to develop new PES: Can you update us about any new customers with a good service and generating generations of vessels, which we have done projects you are working on currently and more customer value. I believe that with the several times, including our latest E-class. do you have any new models in the pipeline? size that we are now, we can provide our We have unique vessels, built on years of customers with a better overall flexible experience, which we feel makes them the DK: Last year I mentioned that we were close solution, with not only our vessels, but also best vessels on the market. to a new ship model, which we have now the network we have built. ordered and put into production. We are very PES: How important are health and safety happy and proud of this. This is our third Our company group, Northern Offshore and training to you as a company? generation Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), which Group, is also important as we can create we developed together with our partners and synergies, as we now have the resources of DK: For us health, safety and training are a it will be within the E-class series. four companies within the group that all, in matter of course. Without this, we cannot do anything at all, so everything we do must be Once again, we have come up with a unique safe and correct. All our employees must design that demonstrates what N-O-S have the correct training and know how to stands for and believes in. The vessel is one perform their tasks. of the first hybrid CTVs in the world and will be bigger than its forerunners, with a length We have this in our mission and in all our of 25m, which gives better performance and training and education, we show that this is endurance. The vessel is full of new something we constantly must work hard at, technology and we have made it possible to to be able to develop as a company and also operate fully on zero emissions in what we importantly, to show that we are serious and call environmental mode. long term. We get to help other operators in new markets with this work and it is very It has been designed to be able to charge the fulfilling to realize that others think we are batteries directly out in the field and is setting a good standard. already prepared for the addition of more battery power, which will allow it to operate PES: Geographically speaking, we would be completely emission free. interested to know where your main markets are and if these have changed This new vessel represents everything we at during recent years? N-O-S stand for: new development of technology, innovation, reliability, good DK: Our main market is Europe, but we have comfort and adding value to our customers. taken our first steps outside of Europe now as well. During the year we have done jobs PES: We have been hearing a lot of talk in Asia and we hope, of course that we will about Zero emission CTV solutions recently. When do you expect your ZERO 38 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: VESSELS also be able to work in the US and other DK: We are very much looking forward to our which means that with innovative markets where the offshore wind industry delivery of our new E-class series and the sustainable solutions, for example, we will is increasing. new exciting business that will further reduce energy consumption and thus, our strengthen our position. We will also environmental impact. PES: How do you see the wind market at the continue to deliver high quality services and moment and do you see this changing in the have even more satisfied customers. It has always been obvious to us that we need near future? Do you envisage that BREXIT to develop the vessels in terms of the may have any impact at all on the market? For us, it is important to take responsibility environment and our ambition is to be a role for a sustainable future for our customers model in the industry when it comes to DK: The market for our type of service has and also, humanity and the environment. environmental work. been severely strained for several years now. Our new battery powered hybrid E-class We see this because several of our colleagues vessel series will receive our own eco-label, www.n-o-s.eu have had a hard time and some have even closed down. I think the whole chain, not least the customers, must give us a little more long-term perspective on the contracts and tasks we should be preparing for as we face huge investments in new vessels, which is difficult to do if you do not have a long-term perspective. Brexit is on everyone’s lips and the question over what’s going to happen. Right now, no one can know for sure, but our group, as I said earlier, has acquired a colleague who has a UK base. This hopefully, makes us as a group, well equipped for what the future brings. However, the market has to improve in some way or diluting our segment, which will mean many colleagues will not be able to continue. PES: Looking forward, is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers as we move toward 2020? WWW.PESWIND.COM 39

ASK THE EXPERTS: SURVEYS No compromise when it comes to safety PES had a great catch-up with Ola Svensson, Head of Project Department at MMT Sweden AB. The Swedish culture permeates this company, where safety and employee well-being are of paramount importance. This company has expanded from being a one-man band to an over 200 strong work force. Their survey solutions have expanded as has their geographical reach, meaning much to look forward to as we move to 2020. Ola Svensson 40 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: SURVEYS PES: Welcome back to PES Wind magazine. PES: We know you work in a variety of We do geotechnical sampling with corers and Would you like to begin by explaining a sectors so how important is the wind & CPTs. UXO survey with magnetometers and little about the background of your offshore renewables business to MMT? gradiometers, environmental survey. organisation and how you currently serve the wind industry? OS: The renewables business is very Throughout 2019 we have also had one important to us and is pinpointed as one of medium size vessel performing 2D/3D UHRS Ola Svensson: MMT has been in the offshore our main focus areas for the coming years. surveys, for several wind farm areas in the business over 40 years now. It started out as It´s now around 30% of our turnover and we North Sea. We expect this segment to grow a one man dive photo company and is now a are looking to increase this share both in even further in 2020. company with more than 200 employees with the European market and also to the East offices in Sweden, England, Norway and just Coast US. We are also performing DoB surveys with recently opened up an office in Boston US. TSS, Orion and Pangeo, as well as also PES: You currently provide several looking into how to increase the detection We performed our first offshore wind farm different solutions to the offshore wind threshold with new inventions. We have projects in the Baltic Sea, approximately 20 industry, we would like to know more, can several on-going development projects, years ago now and have served the you expand on these? especially for monitoring during the renewables sector ever since. Our services operation phase of the windfarms. We are have increased from Geophysical Surveys OS: MMT provide a whole range of solutions exploring the possibility of bringing in the and currently include a wide range of for the renewables sector. Offshore and photogrammetry techniques, which we services such as 2D/3D UHRS, UXO and nearshore geophysical survey for the wind developed for the oil and gas industry. Geotechnical Surveys. farm area, interarray cables and export cables. WWW.PESWIND.COM 41

ASK THE EXPERTS: SURVEYS Considerable costs have been saved, by solutions to meet leading industry standards keeping senior personnel within the company using much higher quality data to improve like: OGP Seabed Survey Data Model (SSDM), for many years, this maintains a strong engineering efficiency. Pipeline Open Data Standard (PODS), company spirit. We see ourselves as flexible Proprietary Pipeline Event configurations and solution oriented, with our focus on PES: We have been reading a lot about your and HTML Reporting with embedment’s. getting the work done. integrated services, can you elaborate on just how MMT is able to capture, analyse, PES: MMT has recently established a In house developed automatic workflows to manage, design and present this data in the greater presence in North America with an Quality Control set provides high confidence most effective and transparent way in the office in Boston, MA. What is the thinking in the collected data set. wind sector? behind this? And do you see a growing market for offshore renewables on the PES: How does your Geographical OS: For the renewables sector we offer site East coast of the US? Information System (GIS) work and how surveys, route surveys, pre-lay & post lay does it benefit the client? surveys, touchdown monitoring and OS: We have monitored the increased inspection surveys. We process and analyse activities on the US east coast for a while OS: We set up the GIS Project (ESRI) during the collected data in software, such as Eiva now. A lot of our clients from the European the preparation phase of each project. Navimodel and Sonarwiz, as well as with market have established a local presence on Available background data is added to the different in house developed software. the US East Coast. So, this year we decided platform, which enables us to plan the to move closer to the US market and open up survey as efficient as possible. The GIS We manage the datasets in a GIS an Office in Boston. Project is also reviewed in the Hazop, thus environment and document control system, avoiding surprises and incidents during the in order to have full control of the collected Initially we will have a sales person, as well as field work. The GIS is maintained during the dataset and reports delivered to the client. a technical advisor, who already in place, project and survey data is added. whilst the projects will be run from the MMT is also a proud developer of creating, Gothenburg or Banbury Office. Later we will The GIS project is based upon a portal for managing and providing adaptive processing most likely run the projects from the US ArcGIS and can be made available to the client and reporting solutions for survey data East Coast. via a Web-GIS. In this way the client can review needs and can assist with the integration of the collected dataset during the project and data to client specific GIS platforms. PES: We are curious to know what makes base decisions for additional survey scope, if your surveys stand out from the they find problematic areas for cable In-house data specialists and technicians will competition? installation etc. We make sure all geographic turn any data deliveries into efficient and data is available in client specific format. automatic reporting solutions, which are OS: Our dedicated personnel, who are a good designed to meet industry standards. We mix between employees and long-term PES: We have talked before about company have successfully developed automatic consultants. We have been successful in structure and offering a supportive work 42 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: SURVEYS environment, what does this really mean to This also improves communication between it comes to safety. Two of our most important your employees and staff? departments. tools are MMT Improvement and Non- Conformity System (MINCS) and the Hazard OS: Managers are quite close to the We keep track of all our training courses and Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA). personnel at MMT. We like our employees to the attendees in our project planner tool, so be very much involved in the improvement of we can follow up on all employees and ensure In addition to these, the HSE organisation on operational and processing procedures and they get the training they should have. Our board is based on the vessel Safety encourage this. clients notice that we have dedicated and Management Systems (SMS), according to the multiskilled personnel performing the work International Safety Management (ISM) Code. We also have a stop work policy, so everyone in a safe and efficient manner, with top can stop a job when it doesn’t feel safe. There quality results. We have clear structures in place to ensure is no blame, or fault put on any employee that health and safety is a priority for each calling a stop work order even if, upon PES: And what about HSEQ, we know this is team member. The working environment investigation, the Stop Work Order was something you are very serious about, must suit our employees’ physical and deemed unnecessary. could you expand on why and how the psychological needs and keep them safe and Swedish culture influences this? in good health. PES: How do you optimise the costs to the client and still provide the highest quality OS: MMT is strongly influenced by the Our teams are therefore committed to MMT survey with the best quality data? Swedish culture and never compromise when Management System (based on ISO 45001), clients’ requirements and other standards, OS: By having a strong project team, such as IMCA, IOGP and NORSOK. This responsible for executing the project in a means that our surveys are always executed safe, efficient, and cost-effective way as to the highest safety standards. possible, both for the client but of course also for MMT. Our equipment is tested We are certified according to ISO 45001:2018 thoroughly before the start of the project, to and have a well-established MMT HSE Policy. meet the quality requirements and our skilled and dedicated team offshore is always PES: We have touched on North America focused on delivering high quality data. already, but looking at the global picture, which geographical regions do you We also try, as far as possible, to keep a anticipate being important for MMT as we vessel to a geographical region to avoid move into 2020? longer transits to the project, so we can reduce mobilisation costs for our clients. OS: Our core geographical market is still We also try to have vessels, which are as fuel Northern Europe but we are of course looking efficient as possible to reduce costs for our into other market as well. One being the US clients, but of course also to reduce the market but we are also keeping an eye on the carbon footprint. southern European and Asian markets. PES: How important is training to MMT and PES: How optimistic are you for your how does it impact on your services? company and the wind industry in 2020? OS: It’s very important for MMT. We provide OS: We are very optimistic and we are looking internal as well as external training courses to be a key player for the Offshore for our personnel and we are also working on Renewables sector in both Northern cross departmental training, with the aim of European and East Coast US market in 2020. making sure our employees are multiskilled. www.mmt.se WWW.PESWIND.COM 43

2020OmUeTdiNaOdWata WIND POWER NOT HOT AIR Aerial Media Scotland Hoover Ferguson IBN Offshore Energy Conference Call Belzona MIROS Fraunhofer IWES Conference Call NEM Solutions nCentric Navigant Research Conference Call We hear exclusively from An in-depth look into the latest We hear from several key We look at a couple of the We take a unique look into the We are delighted to hear It is our privilege to learn Our preview of the greatly A closer look at the use of How wireless technology is We are delighted to hear the Our preview of the greatly director, Derek Fett accommodation solutions members of the ground- leading industry events taking leading edge blade protection exclusively from CEO, more about large-scale tests for anticipated Wind Europe digital technologies bringing the industry together views of Jesse Broehl anticipated Global Offshore breaking project place in 2019 Andreas Brekke efficient offshore supporting Offshore 2019 Wind 2019 structure designs WIND Once more, we turn our attention to the eagerly awaited WIND Global Offshore Wind 2019 exhibition - taking place in WIND London, UK during 25-26th June. A must attend event this As ever, we are delighted to bring you the latest technological Once more, we turn our attention to the key year as always, we are delighted to bring you our preview & innovative advances & developments from many of the industry events around the world. As ever, we are and insight. industry’s key movers & shakers. delighted to bring you the latest technological & PLUS our usual offering of exclusive articles and executive PLUS our usual portion of expert opinion, insight & analysis innovative advances & developments from many interview pieces bringing you the latest opinion, technology of the industry’s key movers & shakers. advances and product innovation from both the established PLUS our usual portion of expert opinion, and upcoming companies in the global wind energy market insight & analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 3, 2019 POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2019 POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 2, 2019 INTELLIGENT WIND The global market continues to evolve and diversify, we look at how manufacturers and end-users alike are working to ensure that they get the most from their latest products and technology. We ask: are we getting the most out of our industry? And are we being smart enough to ensure further improvement? OUT WITH OFFSHORE WIND THE OLD IN GOES BIG WITH THE NEW As the global offshore wind market continues to grow, so too, of course, There will be significant challenges ahead during 2020, of that there can do the projects themselves and indeed the components involved. This be no doubt, and as the global offshore wind market maintains its steady growth will bring with it both exciting challenges and opportunities alike... growth, we are seeing the importance of best managing this expansion and ensuring that the correct plans, procedures, policies & legislation guidelines are in place, allowing the market to flourish and to prosper as much as is possible… WIND ENERGY’S ESSENTIAL MEDIA DESTINATION 18,000+ READERS EXTENSIVE ONLINE AND MOBILE REACH BIG NAME INTERVIEWS NEWS, VIEWS AND ANALYSIS UNMISSABLE FEATURES AND AGENDA-SETTING COMMENT email [email protected] today www.peswind.com

MHO-Co Safe and reliable crew transfer A fleet of specifically designed vessels for the offshore wind industry Vessels in different sizes for different jobs, high reliability in strong weather and large cargo capacity Our tailor-made catamarans are transformative with a low fuel consumption, high speed, large capacity and a positive work environment. Safety is always our first concern – and our crew are specialised professionals. MHO-Co All vessels are operated Offices in Esbjerg and Grimsby Follow us on: Morsøgade 4, · DK-6700 Esbjerg according to our ISM Call us today! Facebook.com/MHOvessels [email protected] · www.mho-co.dk ISO 9001 Tel: +45 53 70 46 45 LinkedIn.com/company/mho-co-a-s ISO 14001

ASK THE EXPERTS: SOFTWARE Wind turbine inspection Software enabling complex drone inspections Geoffrey Vancassel, CEO at Sterblue, spoke to PES about this innovative company, which in 4 years has reached the serious player threshold. They provide easy to use software, complete with apps and a cloud platform, which enables off-the-shelf drones (DJI) to carry out complex inspections. 46 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: SOFTWARE PES: Hi Geoffrey, welcome to PES Wind, it’s Geoffrey Vancassel seamless integration with the Sterblue cloud good to talk to you. Would you like to begin platform makes the data processing and by giving us an overview of Sterblue and tell Now, we build software which helps drones turbine monitoring easy. us something about your role in the inspect power lines and wind turbines. Our company? software guides drones along trajectories PES: Interesting, so how can you make the that wrap tightly around structures, finds flight automatic just using some off the Geoffrey Vancassel: Thanks, it’s a pleasure! anomalies from the collected images, and shelf hardware solutions? Sure, at Sterblue we are three cofounders, outputs reports. The whole process is with some background in aerospace automated and triggered by the click of a GV: Off the shelf drones solely utilize the engineering and computer science, Airbus button, using off-the-shelf drones. ‘necessary’ number of sensors to perform alumni. Nicolas Draber is our COO, Vincent well. That limits some of their capacities Lecrubier our CTO and I am the CEO. PES: We know you are involved in many such as flying really close to complex industries and would like to know how infrastructure, with a high level of precision. Four years ago, we were truly disappointed to important the wind sector is for you? Other custom drone solutions embed many see that drones had literally no chance of external sensors such as, lidars, more performing some massive industrial GV: At Sterblue, we arrived a bit later to the stereo vision systems, etc. to enhance operations: due to the low level of wind market than our competitors and we drone capabilities. automation, with a real lack of digitization on were probably in an outsider position...until the whole inspection workflow. That’s the now. This allowed us to build on the latest This is a complicated and non-reliable race main reason why we started up Sterblue. technologies stack and get a powerful they are running in terms of system insight. The market does not need some reliability. Our technical strategy is saying complex, flying robotic solutions, but an easy ‘we know that off-the-shelf drones are not to use and integrated solution. perfect for wind turbine inspection, let’s make them smarter with our software’. We Now, the wind market is key for us for two have a sober approach. Our algorithms take reasons. We strongly believe in our product into account many pieces of information, strategy and if you go back three years from such as blade bending, torsion, basic 3d now, people had some doubt about drones, model and a simple initial calibration, to fly one year ago, people had some doubts about with extreme precision and speed around automation, now… well this is the only thing the turbine. which is in talked about! PES: How far are you with AI to detect faults PES: What is the most unique aspect of on the grid? Sterblue’s approach to wind inspections? GV: Many players claim using artificial GV: We are purely a software company and intelligence, but with mostly poor results. that makes a huge difference when you want When we talk about AI, we want to be to easily scale your wind turbine inspections realistic, AI is not magic. This is science and a to thousands of units. The Sterblue App, iOS structure needs to be respected. Our CTO and Android, means it’s possible to fly Vincent Lecrubier has written an article automatically and easily around turbine about it – you can read it here1. blades in less than 30 min production time. Today we have rolled-out 5 defects, which This app just needs to be connected to are automatically detected and each time off-the-shelf drones. Working with this kind we reach our performance criteria a new one of hardware allows our customers to be can be rolled out. Last but not least, having backed by thousands of engineers, hundreds AI running on images is interesting to save of dealers, with an easy access to spares, time, but you need to have a seamless experts, etc. and amazing customer support. digitized workflow if you want it to reach its full potential. We do not believe in hardware systems built at a low volume in stealth mode. Finally, the PES: How do you see wind blade inspection evolving in the future? GV: Good question. Using rope access technicians and paper reporting are definitely part of the past, except when in the repair phase and is a non-topic now. Asset managers have understood that blades are the engine of the turbine, increasing its performance and monitoring properly is definitely a revenue source. Industrial data capture and web platform are definitely key to this task. 5 years ago, when the drone industry raised industrial interests, it was seen as a high-potential topic of conversation, but still not mature enough. This is no longer the case, hardware has reached an incredible maturity level, and 1 https://www.sterblue.com/post/a-real-world- application-of-deep-learning-at-industrial-scale WWW.PESWIND.COM 47

ASK THE EXPERTS: SOFTWARE Drone inspecting a wind turbine energy companies now deploy them internally training their own pilot teams. The Sterblue Drone Pilot in Texas purely software solution we have built is in line with their wishes of growing their team 48 PES WIND skills, while increasing the control on their asset monitoring! PES: What do you actually sell to the wind market? GV: We have two offerings. We sell a full scope inspection service, where our customers, everywhere in the world, ask us to inspect some turbines and we manage the whole workflow until the reports are delivered. We also sell our software, navigation app and cloud platform, as a SaaS. This last offering is becoming more and more attractive for our customers, who want to build their drone program to take control of the key skills themselves!

ASK THE EXPERTS: SOFTWARE PES: So, do you invest in research and Sterblue Mobile App development? Sterblue Cloud GV: Absolutely, this has been in our DNA from day one. This year 46% of our budget is dedicated to technology development. Stay tuned some new massive modules and features will be announced in the next few months! PES: We were wondering about your geographical reach and if you have plans to expand into other areas? GV: Sterblue has a strong presence in two focus areas: Europe, where we have one office in both Lisbon, Portugal and Nantes, France and one office in Los Angeles, in the United States. We also have some inbound from outside these areas: China, Hong Kong, Brazil, etc. Fortunately, our ‘easy to deploy’ solution, already certified in hundreds of countries thanks to DJI drones, makes the world easily accessible. For example, we plan to inspect more than 2000 turbines on the Chinese market with a key partner in 2020! PES: How do you see the company moving forward in the future? GV: In a couple of years from now, there will be a better Google Earth. Combining better regulation to fly beyond the line of sight, a higher autonomy i.e. charging station, fuel cell, etc. and Sterblue software, the cost of flying a drone will be extremely low. We will capture information not every year, but every week. We will then reach a digital twin of the world in high resolution. That will DJI Drone Inspecting a Wind Turbine allow an amazing, total monitoring of all assets, feeling the heart of each and every infrastructure. Today we already provide a deep vertical integration to inspect power grids and wind turbines; tomorrow, some other application will come: telecom towers, solar panels, civil engineering assets, etc. PES: We are already coming up towards the end of the year, how has 2019 been for you so far and how is the rest of the year looking? GV: This year will have been a key milestone for Sterblue. 2019 is the year where we rolled out this technology and inspected a big volume of assets on power grids and wind turbines. The ‘serious player’ threshold is now reached! www.sterblue.com WWW.PESWIND.COM 49

TALKING POINT Embracing the digital age View from the Kithaironas wind park in Greece where Wirescan is installing one of the world’s first LIRA-based online monitoring systems together with Total Eren. Credit: Morten Huseby Wirescan has offered the innovative and non-destructive LIRA cable testing technology to the market for some years now. We have been watching the industry and looking at innovation, new technologies and how the cable testing industry can make the transition to the digital age. We came up with Wirescan Digital, a cloud-based cable test database where you can upload and store all your cable test data. This solves many issues related to access and utilization of the data. 50 PES WIND