Are floating wind turbines the future of wind energy?
On land and at sea, wind turbines provide green electricity. In addition to traditional onshore and offshore systems, there are new solutions for developing geographically difficult areas at sea: floating wind turbines. They offer great potential for the expansion of renewable energies, but also place a lot of specific demands on important components such as slewing bearings. Our colleagues at thyssenkrupp rothe erde ensure that they develop their full potential on the high seas.
So-called floating wind turbines differ from conventional offshore turbines primarily in their greater distance from the coast. As their name suggests, floating turbines are not built on fixed foundations anchored in the seabed, but on floating platforms. Heavy-duty chains anchored to the seabed help to keep the turbines in position in wind and weather.
More energy and less stress for marine animals
This means that the construction of floating wind turbines is largely independent of the depth of the sea. The turbines can also be positioned far away from coastal areas and thus utilize previously undeveloped areas. "Wind speeds on the high seas are increasing. For energy generation, this means that more energy can be generated," explains Peter Küpper, Vice President Sales & Marketing Teams at thyssenkrupp rothe erde at the Dortmund site. In addition, the construction of floating wind turbines is less invasive for the environment and marine animals, as the installation generates less noise than the construction of permanently anchored foundations.
Challenges of floating wind turbines
Where the wind blows stronger at sea, the turbines also have to withstand completely different conditions. "Far out at sea, the climatic conditions are naturally harsher," explains the expert. The wind turbines and their components, such as blade and rotor bearings from thyssenkrupp rothe erde, must therefore be specially developed for these harsh conditions. "There is a particular focus on the corrosion resistance of the slewing bearings," says Peter Küpper.
For the increased load, the long-established company with more than 160 years of experience in the production of slewing bearings provides its customers with special underwater mooring bearings with an innovative sealing concept.
Each delivery is unique: "The loads and operating conditions to be taken into account are agreed in specifications together with our customers. Based on this, the best possible bearing solutions are developed individually for the respective system," explains Küpper.
The highest quality materials and products are a matter of course for the colleagues at thyssenkrupp rothe erde. To ensure that their components can withstand the harsh climatic conditions and massive forces to which they are exposed on the high seas, the experts carry out tests under real conditions. The largest research and development center for large-diameter bearings in the world is located in Lippstadt, where the huge bearings are put through their paces.
Opportunities and potential of floating wind turbines
Floating turbines are becoming increasingly important, especially for markets such as Japan. This is because the very steeply sloping coasts there make it much easier to build floating turbines than fixed anchored installation stations. Floating turbines can thus open up new areas for energy generation. This offers enormous potential for wind energy worldwide.
In order to drive this development forward, thyssenkrupp rothe erde is also supporting projects such as the 1:10 pilot project Nezzy², which was designed and built by aerodyn engineering Gmbh with its partner EnBW. A milestone: this is the first floating offshore turbine in Germany with two turbines on one platform.
thyssenkrupp rothe erde as a reliable partner
As global demand for renewable energy increases, the experts at thyssenkrupp rothe erde also have to continuously develop their products. "We are seeing a trend towards ever larger turbines with ever higher performance classes, especially for offshore wind turbines," explains Küpper. "This will also continue to require a great deal of technical expertise from component manufacturers."
The expert is certain: with 160 years of experience in the production of slewing bearings, thyssenkrupp rothe erde has the technical expertise and experience needed to drive sustainable energy generation forward. "We have been a partner to our customers since the very beginning. This means that we can look back on long-standing relationships that are characterized by mutual appreciation and trust," says Peter Küpper.
As one of the few suppliers of slewing bearings, the colleagues at thyssenkrupp rothe erde can offer their customers a comprehensive product portfolio. From production to delivery, installation and maintenance services, the slewing bearing experts are there to support their customers. "We offer both local proximity and a global production and sales network," says Küpper.
Would you like to experience our innovations for wind power up close? Then visit us at Windenergy in Hamburg from September 27 to 30, 2022 - Hall B6, Stand B6.232.