Innovation in design concepts

O&M and Windfarm Lifecycle > Enabling Research > Design

Large arrays of far-from-coast wind farms (and also tidal and wave harvesters) might lead to different optimal design concepts than those adopted so far.

Type of Entry: Innovation Area

Requires implementation offshore: Yes

Start TRL: TRL 1

Target TRL: TRL 4

Enabler: Academia

Beneficiary: Owner Operators

Strategic Outcome: Enabling disruptive innovation

Forecast Start: 2022

Forecatest Finish: 2034

Potential to Reduce LCOE: High

UK Benefit: High

Case for Intervention: High

HSE impact: Medium

UK Benefit - notes: Totally new design concept could be developed and UK could export knowhow, R&D and potentially manufacture of new-concept turbines.

Intervention - notes: Due to the low TRL, this must be driven by academia, but the participation of industry is critical to assure significance and relevance of the proposed concepts.

HSE impact notes: Results are unknown yet as it will depend on a design

Turbines

Developing the next generation of offshore wind turbines, incorporating all the technology that forms the structural and operational elements of the wind turbine generator.

Turbines

Substructures

Innovations in fixed-bottom wind turbine foundations and substructures, including transition pieces.

Substructures

Floating Wind

Innovations and processes required to enable cost competitive, commercial-scale floating offshore wind projects; many of which are situated in far from shore locations.

Floating Wind

Electrical Infrastructure

Moving to next generation electrical infrastructure including array cabling, power transmission, grid integration (storage & smart energy systems) and substations, both onshore & offshore.

Electrical Infrastructure

O&M and Windfarm Lifecycle

Optimising and future-proofing all services associated with offshore wind, including site development, installation, wind farm O&M, condition monitoring, and decommissioning.

O&M and Windfarm Lifecycle