Introduction
A new energy source is provided by Offshore wind turbines. Huge areas at the seaside are available to construct Windfarms and connect them to the energy network. Three fundamental different design options for Offshore Wind Turbines will be examined.
Main Parts of System
An offshore windturbine system can be described by four subsystems. In the most common way the design consists a metal structure out of pipes for the underwater-construction (Jacket). On top of the jacket follows the metal tower, in form of a pipe out of metal. The so called gondel with technical installations is merged by bolts on the top of the tower. Rotor blades were installed to the front of the gondel.
So, the four subsystems are:
- Rotor Blades
- Gondel
- Tower
- Underwater Construction (Jacket)
Literature that was skimmed for the project includes the calculation of so called “Downtime”, which designate the time in which no energy production is given.
Life Cycle Inventory
Table 1: Life Cycle Inventory
Design Options as graphic
- Jacket
- Ground Fundament
- Pontoon (with cable-anchor connection to ground)
Life cycle timeline
The illustration below shows the chosen maintenance-strategies. The component underwater construction (UWC) has various intervals of maintenance/repair, as there are the biggest differences in design. In design option 2 the standard maintenance (M) is more often recommended. The life-span is defined to 30 years.
Materials and dimensions for all design options
The following table includes the amount of material which is need to fulfill the different design options.
Table 2: Materials and dimensions for all design options
