Ulrik Skyttergaard, Project Manager on the floating offshore turbine WindFloat, talks about his desire to challenge the existing ways to create offshore power plants in the deep sea.
The WindFloat project sets the stage for Ulrik's desire to challenge offshore power plant methodology and he now realizes that the play doesn’t always end as one would assume.
The WindFloat project is the first Vestas project, which tests the possibilities of the deep waters and builds on Vestas power generation heritage – a heritage that is counting 20 years into the offshore wind industry. Soon the WindFloat will be part of this line of heritage and yet a step in Vestas’ product evolution. Guiding this product evolution, since March 2010, is Ulrik.
“I’m in this because I really want to understand and challenge the way that we, prepare, install and commission offshore turbines - or what is also known as the project configuration. I want to examine everything from A-Z in order to identify room for improvements. I started working on the WindFloat project, because I have this drive to challenge existing methods that can blind one from improving further – it is really about going beyond our limitations to improve the way we do things.” Says Ulrik who is sitting behind his desk in Randers after returning from three weeks in Portugal. He will be in Portugal again once this article is published.
Since Ulrik took on the role as the WindFloat Project Manager, he has found that the limitations he expected to surpass were not as cardinal as he had expected. Instead he now realizes that much of his work is about creating a partnership with the customer, EDP, and the various other partners in the project who are still offshore wind novices.
“I realize more and more that I have a guiding role where I pass on Vestas’ know-how to the other partners involved in the project. Some of these partners have a lot of knowledge about offshore floating platforms in the oil rig industry, others have knowledge about efficient power production and then you have Vestas as the link – tying all of it together to reach a result. So, really the customer is learning from us as we are learning from the partners and the customer.”
Working with a customer who is not familiar with the offshore wind industry has also created new challenges. One example is within the H&S (Health & Safety) area where Vestas is known for going beyond the requirements of the law, and thus, sets the bar high in order to avoid any hazards.
“Of course we spend more time explaining processes to the involved partners, but this is part of our role. And may I add – it is our responsibility towards the men and woman working on WindFloat. Once again, I need to underline that we are not just working with a new industry of floating turbines. We are also passing on our experience and knowledge on H&S, which creates good results because we are cooperating with customers and field experts. So, together we are going beyond the limitations by creating a strong synergy.” Ulrik says with a reflective face expression as he also thinks of completing the installation and energization, which is expected to take off end of August.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to the site and to the prospect of sailing the completed turbine out to its location before it starts producing the first watts.” He adds “It is going to be fun to see how it will all run”.
Facts:
WindFloat is a patented floating support structure for offshore wind turbines with a simple and economic design. Innovative features of the WindFloat dampen wave and turbine induced motion, enabling offshore wind turbines to be sited in previously inaccessible locations where water depth exceeds 50m and wind resources are superior. The V80-2.0MW turbine controller and tower has undergone adjustments in order to dampen the wave and turbine motion vibrations.
Who is involved?
EDP, a major European operator in the energy market, has initiated this project.
To learn more about EDP – click here
In order to make the project a success, EDP has asked several experienced partners to contribute with their service and expertize. The WindFloat project is therefore developed by:
- Vestas
- PPI – Principal Power Incorporated
- ASM – Steel manufacturer
- EDP
Hear Principal Power’s CEO explain the WindFloat project
Understand the principles behind the installation of the turbine to the floating unit
