GL Garrad Hassan launches the project FORCE

GL Garrad Hassan has launched the project FORCE (turbine optimisation FOr Reduced Cost of Energy). The project will build on GL Garrad Hassan's expertise in turbine design, control system engineering and structural modelling.

 

The project will systematically consider new technologies that can be applied to offshore wind turbines and their support structures with the target of reducing the cost of energy from offshore wind farms. Adopting an open-minded approach, Project FORCE will focus GL Garrad Hassan engineering expertise on the design of low cost offshore wind turbines in the 7-10MW range. Technologies to be considered include rotor design and innovative control systems which reduce structural loads at the same time as regulating turbine power. Possible technologies include:
Advanced control systems including high order individual pitch control, multivariable and Lidar assisted solutions;

• High speed, structurally flexible, downwind rotor blades;
• Fully integrated wind turbine, controller and support structure design;
• Use of topology optimisation software to further improve wind turbine main structural components.

The results of the project will be made available to the industry later this year.