Strong foundations

Carbon Trust reveals new foundation designs to transform offshore wind industry

Radical new designs shortlisted in a global competition run by the UK's Carbon Trust are set to accelerate the installation of thousands of wind turbines around Britain's coast by slashing the costs of construction and opening up deeper waters for development.

Over 100 engineering companies from around the world submitted their ideas on how to cost effectively build offshore wind turbines in severe weather conditions as far as 100 miles out to sea and in waters up to 60m deep. Each design was rigorously assessed by an expert panel of judges including the Carbon Trust's partners: Airtricity Developments, DONG Energy, RWE Innogy owner of Npower Renewables, Scottish Power Renewables and Statoil.
Seven designs were selected, all of which have the potential to revolutionise the construction of offshore wind farms, reducing costs and overcoming engineering challenges currently facing the industry. Here is a look at some of them:

Entrant: Gifford/Freyssinet/BMT (UK/France)
This large concrete gavity base structure is made of concrete and, as concrete is cheaper than steel on a weight basis and has a longer service life, this design features a lower cost structure and greater longevity.

Entrant: Glosten Associates (Seattle, USA)
This design is a floating wind turbine foundation based on Tension Leg Platform technology that integrates proven technologies from the oil and gas industry and the maritime construction industry.

Entrant: Offshore Wind Power Systems of Europe (USA)
Called Titan this platform is floated into position and then its three legs are lowered to the sea floor, similar to a jack-up drilling rig.

Entrant: Suction Pile Technology / Wood Group (Netherlands/UK)
The Asymmetric Suction Bucket Tripod features three up-turned bucket-like structures that are "sucked" into the soft sea bed.

Entrant: MBD Offshore (DK)
Suction bucket monopile, primary material is steel, using buoyant installation and delivery.

Entrant: Keystone Engineering (Louisiana, USA)
The design consists of three supporting legs angled around a central pile, appearing like a twisted jacket structure.

www.carbontrust.co.uk