Exclusive Articles
Cable innovation is critical for the future of wind energy
Utility-scale wind turbine energy technology has developed rapidly over the past 20 years, from a few hundred kilowatts to multi-megawatt installations capable of producing enough electricity to power thousands of households. As windfarms increase both in physical size and generation capacity, with turbines growing from 2-3 megawatt (MW) today to typically 5 MW onshore and… Read more »
Modern technology supports classic methods in engineering development
For over 30 years MAATS Tech have been recognised for providing quality, considerately designed equipment arrays for a plethora of vessels across a variety of capabilities. Core competencies are centred on dynamically positioned special purpose vessels for diverse operations in subsea construction, diving, cable laying and flexible pipe laying, for both new build and conversion… Read more »
Combating ‘light pollution’ with grit and innovation
One of the most pressing issues when it comes to making wind energy fit for the future is the aspect of acceptance: acceptance among the broader public, but especially among those directly affected by it, the residents and the environment. Transponder-based aircraft detection lighting systems (ADLS) offer a sustainable solution putting non-stop blinking obstruction lights… Read more »
Green energy, clients and personnel: top priorities
Innovation, green energy, zero emissions, quality are just some of the things Tom Nevin, CEO at HST Marine, enthused about to PES. This relatively newcomer to offshore wind is a family owned business, focussed on going the extra mile for clients, whilst at the same time, looking after the needs of its personnel. It’s great… Read more »
Powertrain technology for enhanced wind drivetrains
With the Geislinger Compowind® coupling the Austrian-based company sets new standards for the wind drivetrain technology. Lightweight, fatigue-resistant, and maintenance-free composite membranes virtually absorb all bending moments and allow the gearbox to be rigidly attached to the main frame. Therefore, not only is the gearbox relieved from unnecessary loads, but the dynamic system behaviour of… Read more »
Old layout, new layout – the same geotechnical campaign?
‘Measure twice, cut once’ as the old proverb goes. And it is true. A thorough geological site investigation campaign is one of the most important sources of data when it comes to designing foundations. Especially in the case of high-risk offshore constructions such as wind turbines. However, what should we do if the style changes… Read more »
Wind turbine fires: expect the unexpected
Nobody expects a wind turbine to catch fire, but it happens. Unfortunately, it is unknown just how much it happens, and this opens the industry up to significant losses due to a lack of best practice when managing fire risk. As found in our recent report, ‘In the Line of Fire’, there is a serious… Read more »
Renting instead of buying: flexibility on demand
PES spoke with Hans Gatzemeier, CEO of ELA Container Offshore Gmbh, about how to increase flexibility by renting their offshore mobile room solutions. This solution is proving more and more popular, as it means that once finished with, the containers can be collected. The pandemic has meant working in different ways, and Hans admits he… Read more »
Robotization and manufacturing: who benefits?
Fears that automation will lead to mass unemployment are a recurring social and economic issue. In recent decades, these fears have been fed by the rapid spread of industrial robots, the use of which has become prevalent in the wind industry. While robotization within the industry has many positive aspects, such as carrying out the… Read more »
Multiple solutions from one single source
DHSS has become a well-known, high-level player in the services it provides for the offshore wind industry over the last five years. The company was founded in 1997, as a ships agency for clients mainly working in the seismic industry, searching for oil & gas. Nowadays it is a full service provider to the offshore… Read more »
