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RENERGI-Fremtidens rene energisystemer

Fred Olsen wind energy drive train

Awarded: NOK 9.1 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

208580

Project Period:

2011 - 2012

Organisation:

Partner countries:

The primary objective is to develop a wind energy drive train concept with qualities superior to existing drive train solutions for wind turbines with respect to weight, cost and maintenance. The new drive train aims to lower the overall cost of energy fr om wind turbines by an estimated 7-8%. This is achieved by combining low-weight and high-strength materials in a way that exploits basic technological principles to create a simple and efficient form of drive train never before used in the demanding conte xt of a wind turbine. The uncomplicated and robust nature of the drive train concept contributes both to the low cost, the low weight and the relatively low level of maintenance during operation. The main R&D-challenges are within the following areas: - Handling of oscillating rotor torque and dynamic load amplification - Overall system integration, securing weight- and cost minimization - Part design, production process and assembly for key components - Securing a high system efficiency The project par tners consist of the R&D departments from a consortium of global companies. The companies are large, well established international companies, and include both a wind turbine manufacturer and suppliers of crucial components for our wind turbine drive trai n concept. This R&D project will represent a major step towards better cost efficiency for wind power. If the project succeeds in developing this concept for a wind energy drive train, it will be a major contributor to the further global deployment of wi nd power. By significantly reducing the cost of wind energy, more projects will become economically feasible. This will facilitate an increase of renewable energy in the global energy mix, considered a crucial measure in combating climate change.

Funding scheme:

RENERGI-Fremtidens rene energisystemer