The first robust and cost-effective floating vertical axis wind turbine for deep water offshore

Project Information

SeaTwirl

Grant agreement ID: 874042

DOI

10.3030/874042

Project closed

EC signature date 13 August 2019

Start date 1 September 2019

End date 31 May 2022

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 3 545 750,00

EU contribution

€ 2 482 025,00

Coordinated by

SEATWIRL AB
Sweden

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SeaTwirl (The first robust and cost-effective floating vertical axis wind turbine for deep water offshore)

Reporting period: 2020-09-01 to 2022-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

SeaTwirl AB is a Swedish SME established in 2012, listed on Nasdaq First North Stockholm. SeaTwirl aims to contribute to the transition to green energy in Europe and beyond by developing a unique wind turbine that combines the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) technology with an effective and smaller spar-buoy. SeaTwirl’s wind turbine is easier to build, install and maintain than traditional offshore wind turbines. Our vision: To become a world-leading supplier of floating wind farms.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the second stage of project, significant effort has been invested into technological optimisation of the turbine design. The work has been performed by the internal team and a in cooperation with a number of qualified subcontractors. Extensive work related to dissemination and communication, IPR Management and market strategy has also been carried out during this period. The interest in the technology and the project has enabled SeaTwirl to perform new share issues and collect capital required to continue the journey towards commercialisation. The project has played a fundamental role to advancing the technology to the current stage and positioning SeaTwirl as an important player on the market for offshore wind. SeaTwirl turbines can be sited in areas that are currently out of reach for offshore wind turbines (that are limited to a depth of about 50-60 metres). SeaTwirl turbines can be anchored much deeper than 50-60 metres (unlike any other wind offshore turbines on the market today). This means that SeaTwirl can be sited where winds are stronger and more reliable.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project has confirmed and further strengthened the USPs of SeaTwirl's turbine:
Less load on the bearings
Thanks to the floating sub-sea structure of the wind turbine, the bearings inside the generator housing do not need to carry the weight of the turbine. This is unique to SeaTwirl and means that the bearings are subjected to less loads than in other wind turbines.

Easy maintenance and low centre of gravity
SeaTwirl’s wind turbines have a lower centre of gravity and a more stable design than horizontal-axis wind turbines, because the generator and all parts that require maintenance can be placed under the turbine and above the water.

Lower overall cost
SeaTwirl wind turbines are easily accessed which reduces service costs. The company’s unique system ensures lower manufacturing costs, lower life-cycle costs (i.e. reduced need for service and maintenance) and thus a lower overall cost. This is especially important for offshore structures.

Patented technology
SeaTwirl has patented a number of ground-breaking technologies and approaches that make its products more robust, easier to maintain and cheaper to produce. This means that SeaTwirl can produce renewable wind energy at a much lower cost than its competitors.

SeaTwirl