GICON has conducted experimental tank tests of its new GICON SOF design for a floating wind turbine foundation. The tests were conducted at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) from June 17th to June 24th as preparations for a full-scale pilot foundation exceeded expectations. The prototype is expected to be deployed in the Baltic sea during 2014.
The tests confirmed the usability and operational capabilities of the SOF design with high stability levels and low acceleration comparable to conventional fixed offshore foundations. The SOF will be deployable in water depths from 20 to 700 meters and will be able to be towed to its installment location where it can be installed without the aid of jack-up vessels.
The wind energy sector faces major challenges, particularly as wind farms are increasing in size as well as distance from shore. They are also increasingly being deployed in deeper waters and conventional foundations such as monopoles, gravity foundations, tripods and jackets will not be suitable for waters deeper than 50 metres. In addition, there is a need to substantially reduce construction and operating costs in waters of all depths.
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