Objetivo
To install a 2.7 MW wind farm comprising nine 300 kW HMZ wind turbines along an existing breakwater as a demonstration for semi offshore applications to maintain, operate and manage the project to sell the electricity to the regional electricity company under the UK NFFO scheme.
The wind farm was commissioned in December 1992. The foundation design and installation methods utilise technologies which can be of use in offshore wind farms. The production during the 2 first years of operation was about 4.150.000 kWh, the average availability 9.5%, while the mean wind speed had been 6,5 m/sec. The noise measurements gave figures in line with the manufacturers expectations, while there have been no complaints about noise from the wind farm. Lightweight access platforms specially designed for the maintenance of some of the wind turbines have been proved successful. The payback period is estimated to 5,3 years. The project is to be extended with the installation of 2 x 750 kW windmaster wind turbines offshore.
The wind farm will be constructed along an existing breakwater which was constructed 100 years ago. These is no vehicular access available to the breakwater. All components for the site will be transported to the site by sea and erected using a barge mounted crane. The breakwater (the East Pier at Blyth Harbour) is exposed to the prevalent North east winds, making the installation period potentially subject to adverse sea conditions. The foundations will be designed to not increase the loads on the breakwater as no detailed records are available of the construction of the breakwater. The foundations, design of tower base and electrical compartment must be of an offshore design as the site is subject to frequent sea water splash.
Communication with the wind turbine will be by radio modern link. Monitoring equipment installed in each wind turbine will reduce the number of visits required to the wind turbines by the engineers. All maintenancce visits will be by boat and will use barge mounted crane for equipment.
Programa(s)
Tema(s)
Data not availableConvocatoria de propuestas
Data not availableRégimen de financiación
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinador
NE46 3DW NORTHUMERLAND
Reino Unido