Utilising data

Data utilisation is an overarching term used to describe a wide range of concepts and techniques aimed at exploiting available information. In the offshore renewables industry, data utilisation techniques can include: post-event analysis, use of current operational data and forecasting of future trends. The level of data utilisation is varied across industry, providing the opportunity for innovation and collaboration between offshore wind stakeholders. In substructures, data sharing is the most burning issue – components in substructures are manufactured by more parties than in blades or powertrain so data sharing and alignment is more difficult. Foundation designers dont get enough data from operational assets to optimise their future work e.g. natural frequency is measured in commissioning for each wind turbine and data could be used to feedback into optimisation of future design.

Type of Entry: Innovation Area

Requires implementation offshore: No

Start TRL: TRL 3

Target TRL: TRL 6

Enabler: Research Technical Organisations

Beneficiary: Original Equipment Manufacturers

Strategic Outcome: Maximising operational performance of existing wind farms

Website:

Forecast Start: 2022

Forecatest Finish: 2031

Potential to Reduce LCOE: Medium

UK Benefit: High

Case for Intervention: High

HSE impact: Low

LCOE Notes: This depends on the engagement by OOs and the impact their use of data has.

UK Benefit - notes: UK has high expertise in this field and can actively engage in data and digital activities.

Intervention - notes: Although some OOs do actively engage in data utilisation activities, some will need external bodies to help kickstart a culture change within their organisation.