The FLOWIND project focuses on researching new solutions for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of floating wind energy systems, targeting critical components like floating structures, dynamic cables, and mooring lines. It also aims to develop advanced tools for evaluating and optimizing O&M strategies. Floating wind energy allows the installation of wind farms in deep waters, unlocking untapped resources to significantly expand global renewable energy production.
Key Objectives
- Investigate failure modes in critical components to develop techno-economic models for comprehensive O&M of floating wind farms.
- Create advanced modeling environments to characterize the dynamics of critical components.
- Develop innovative monitoring systems to integrate real and laboratory data into O&M models.
- Improve the design of critical components, including advanced concrete formulations and coatings to extend their lifespan.
Saitec plays a pivotal role as the project leader providing key data from the DemoSATH floating wind project, connected to the BiMEP test site, and advancing innovative designs for floating platforms and related components. The company’s expertise and access to real-world operation data enable the validation and enhancement of project models and solutions.
Consortium
The FLOWIND project is a collaborative effort involving a diverse consortium of companies and research organizations, each contributing their expertise to drive innovation in floating wind energy. Leading the initiative is Saitec, supported by key participants including Sener, Aeroblade, Inalia, Graphenea, Ditrel, Mugape, and CDA Bilbao.
The project also benefits from the participation of research entities such as Tecnalia, Mondragon Unibertsitatea, Ikerlan, and Cidetec, which bring advanced technological capabilities and research excellence.
The Energy Cluster (ACE), as the entity responsible for disseminating the project and coordinating initiatives that bring together the floating wind supply chain in Euskadi, will ensure that FLOWIND has the greatest possible impact on the industrial fabric of the Basque energy and naval sectors. Furthermore, its involvement in various initiatives with clusters from other countries will provide the project with significant international visibility.
Innovative Contributions
The FLOWIND project is driving innovation through the development of advanced tools for lifecycle cost assessment, encompassing manufacturing, installation, and decommissioning phases. It also focuses on creating dynamic monitoring systems for mooring lines and dynamic cables to enhance reliability, while utilizing graphene-based coatings and eco-concrete to minimize maintenance needs and reduce environmental impact.
Additionally, the project integrates advanced modeling techniques to improve structural dynamics and fatigue characterization. By leveraging unique resources such as DemoSATH and BiMEP, FLOWIND positions Euskadi as a global leader in offshore wind energy innovation and operational efficiency.
This project has been supported by the expense budget of the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
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