15 MW Offshore Turbine Moves to Where the Wind Is

X1 Wind's wind turbine features a pyramid-shaped array with a floating system that allows the structure to move where the wind blows, thereby producing electricity almost continuously.

X1 Wind's wind turbine prototype. Photo: X1 Wind — X1 Wind's wind turbine prototype. Photo: *X1 Wind*

The X1 Wind turbines feature a system called PivotBuoy, in which the foundation is connected to a point that allows the turbine to move with the wind. The system works best when the turbine is facing the wind coming directly behind it. This configuration allowed the engineers to redesign the floating structure to make it more efficient in distributing the turbine’s weight.

The pyramid-shaped offshore wind turbine uses a downwind configuration. This way, X1 Wind does not need to tilt or use special blades, thus avoiding collision with the support and saving on manufacturing costs. "This is especially important when we want to build larger turbines with a capacity of 15 megawatts (MW) or more. The floating platform combines the benefits of the PivotBuoy system and the downwind configuration, making wind energy production more efficient and cheaper," X1 Wind said.

The X1 Wind turbine’s PivotBuoy combines a single-pitch mooring (SPM) with a tension leg platform (TLP) for a lighter platform. This wind turbine design differs from current floating systems, which use heavier masts and semi-submersible rigs. The PivotBuoy is designed to be connected to the mooring system before being transported to the operating site. This means the turbine can be assembled on land and easily disassembled when needed.

The offshore installation process is simplified because it can be towed by small boats rather than large, expensive vessels. The design of the rig limits the stress on the structure, meaning the turbine blades can be lighter, longer, and cheaper. According to X1 Wind, the system can be used at depths ranging from 60 meters to more than 500 meters.

The first version of the X1 Wind, called the X30, has been deployed and tested in the Canary Islands, Spain. The project began in April 2019 and production was completed in November 2020. The turbine array was divided into nine sections for transport to Las Palmas. The assembly was successfully completed at Hidramar, an experienced shipyard.

Subsystem testing, foundation installation and cabling will be completed in mid-2022. Final offshore installation will take place in October 2022 at a depth of 50 m. The X30 prototype will become the world’s first fully operational floating wind turbine (TLP) capable of exporting electricity. The 1/3-scale prototype will operate until the end of May 2023, giving it enough time to collect data. The results will inform X1 Wind’s commercial projects, the latest being the deployment of a 6 MW floating wind turbine called the X90 in the French Mediterranean in 2025.

An Khang (According to Design Boom )

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