WindSpider will revolutionize wind energy
WindSpider, also known as a “self-building” wind turbine, is a groundbreaking crane project created by a Norwegian startup called WindSpider. This innovative initiative is gaining prominence in the wind energy industry, as the company has joined the Energy Transition Norway cluster and has secured support from the German energy company RWE since December 2022.
The WindSpider crane concept addresses a significant challenge in wind energy: the need to lower the costs associated with building and operating turbines while minimizing environmental impact. Traditional wind turbine construction is complex and requires advanced technology and logistics, primarily due to the size and weight of the structural components. Erecting these components necessitates large crane machines.
WindSpider proposes that its crane could revolutionize the industry by slashing offshore wind energy costs by over 50%. One key advantage is the reduction of labor and fuel expenses. Moreover, the crane could enable on-site maintenance and repairs for marine turbines, eliminating the costly and time-consuming process of towing them back to shore.
How it’s working?
In WindSpider’s innovative solution, the crane utilizes the turbine tower itself to erect subsequent parts of the installation. The tower is comprised of precisely mounted segments, controlled by computer, allowing for seamless assembly of turbine components. This design eliminates issues related to relative movement between the crane and the wind turbine, facilitating installation and maintenance at sea, even in challenging conditions such as those experienced by floating power plants or in high winds.
In early March of this year, WindSpider announced a partnership with Leirvik Group, another Norwegian company specializing in aluminum marine structures. This collaboration aims to develop an enormous crane system constructed from aluminum. Despite its lightweight nature, this crane system will be capable of lifting weights exceeding 1,500 tons without any height restrictions.
Experts suggest that power plants employing WindSpider technology could be constructed in remote locations inaccessible to traditional cranes. Furthermore, the independent assembly and automation of the process are anticipated to enhance safety during construction.
Source: electrek.co