One of the most important components of offshore wind turbines is the power generation system, which transforms the wind energy captured by the impeller into electricity.
In the Fujian Province of southeast China, construction has begun on the installation of a massive offshore wind turbine with an installed capacity of 16 megawatts.
A 50-story building’s height, or 152 metres, is the height of the wind turbine’s wheel hub, which is 34 metres higher than that of typically installed 10-megawatt offshore wind turbines.
With 123-meter-long blades, the wind turbine can cover seven standard football fields’ worth of space, or about 50,000 square metres.
The turbine produces 34.2 kilowatt-hours of electricity per rotation when operating at rated power, enough to power a family of three for a week. It can produce enough clean electricity annually to power 36,000 households for more than 66 million kilowatt hours.
One of the most important components of offshore wind turbines is the power generation system, which transforms the wind energy captured by the impeller into electricity.
It represents a significant technological advance in the miniaturization of large-capacity generators that the self-developed generator of the 16 megawatt offshore wind turbine has realized a weight reduction to about 20 tonnes.
Its long, light blades and large main shaft bearing are both made in the country.
The wind turbine is also covered in hundreds of sensors, including laser radar, which can measure temperature, humidity, and wind speed to monitor its operational status. When exposed to severe weather, it can automatically adjust the angle and regulate the power thanks to intelligent systems.
The use of digital and intelligent systems enhances the wind turbine’s environmental adaptability, enabling its widespread application on China’s southeast coast.
Baihetan, China’s fourth-generation offshore wind power installation platform with a lifting capacity of 2,000 tonnes, is the name of the platform being used for the installation work.
One of the most sophisticated self-elevating and self-propelled wind power installation platforms in the nation, it can operate up to 70 metres under the surface of the ocean.