Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology under the direction of Associate Professor Shuaishuai Wang developed advanced offshore wind turbines that are lighter, more robust, and cost-effective to withstand the harsh conditions of the Norwegian coast.
The traditional drivetrain is at the top. The more compact one developed by the researchers is at the bottom. Image Credit: Shuaishuai Wang, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The sea can be extremely harsh along the Norwegian coast. Offshore wind turbines must be incredibly durable if people use them to capture both fair and bad weather. Profitability also needs to be increased.
Wang has contributed to prestigious journals with several articles about offshore wind power.
“The results are often particularly relevant for technologists and industry,” said Wang.
Wang's research focuses on workable ways to enhance offshore wind technology's usability.
Improved Drivetrain
One of Wang and his colleagues' articles, for instance, addresses a novel approach to gearboxes in wind turbines.
The study addresses one of the most significant technical challenges in offshore wind power. We need to improve the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of the turbines’ drivetrain.
Shuaishuai Wang, Associate Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Together with his colleagues Amir Nejad, Erin E. Bachynski, and Torgeir Moan, he used computer simulations to create a new gearbox that is more compact, resulting in a 20–30% reduction in size and weight.
“It can help make offshore installations both easier to install and more cost-effective,” said Wang.
Further cost savings are guaranteed because the gearbox they developed is more stable and robust in operation, allowing it to withstand the harsh conditions at sea for longer periods and requiring less maintenance.
Both scholars and several tech companies have expressed great satisfaction with this article, which has received numerous citations in prestigious journals. Interest has been expressed by businesses like Vestas, CSSC Haizhuang Windpower Co. Ltd., and Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd..
New Advancements
Attention has also been drawn to other articles authored by members of this research community. These articles examine several wind turbine characteristics that may make them more likely to be used and guarantee the most stable, secure, and lucrative energy production.
In recent years, I have mainly focused on the structural design and analysis of floating offshore wind turbines.
Shuaishuai Wang, Associate Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The majority of offshore wind turbines need to be made to float because of the depth of the sea off the Norwegian coast.
Weight and structural balance are much more critical for floating offshore wind turbines than for other types of wind turbines.
Shuaishuai Wang, Associate Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
For instance, because it is more balanced and lighter, the gearbox mentioned above is a perfect fit for use in wind turbines of the future. Modern wind turbines are made to produce at least 15 MW of energy, which is more than the current 10 MW.
“The industry is rapidly moving toward floating wind technology and more efficient turbines. We believe our findings are interesting for the entire wind energy sector,” concluded Wang.