Norway’s World Wide Wind Revolutionizes Offshore Wind Power with Vertical-Axis Turbines
Norway’s World Wide Wind has developed a groundbreaking approach to offshore wind power. Their floating, vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) feature contra-rotating blades, resulting in more than double the energy output of current turbines. This innovation aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting clean and affordable energy (SDG 7) and combating climate change (SDG 13).
Challenges of Conventional Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs)
Offshore wind farms offer a less obtrusive and more expansive solution for wind energy generation. However, as the ocean gets deeper, traditional HAWTs become less feasible. HAWTs require heavy components, such as drivetrains, gearboxes, generators, and large blades, to be mounted high on a pole. This poses challenges when installing them on floating platforms and maintaining them at great heights. VAWTs, on the other hand, have their heavy components at the bottom, making them naturally stable and easier to maintain.
The Advantages of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs)
VAWTs have the ability to harness wind energy from any direction without needing to face into the wind like HAWTs. While they are typically less efficient than HAWTs, they can be placed closer together without sacrificing performance. This means that VAWTs have the potential to extract more energy from a given area of the ocean. The increased energy density aligns with SDG 7 by maximizing energy production.
The Innovative Design of World Wide Wind’s VAWTs
World Wide Wind has developed a unique floating VAWT specifically designed for offshore deployment and scalability. Their design features two contra-rotating turbines: one fixed to the outer casing of the tower and rotating in one direction, and the other mounted to a central shaft and rotating in the opposite direction. This configuration doubles the relative speed of rotation compared to a static stator, resulting in increased electricity generation.
Benefits of World Wide Wind’s VAWTs
By placing the heaviest components at the bottom, below the buoyant pontoon, World Wide Wind’s VAWTs achieve stability. The ability to tilt with the wind reduces turbulent wake downstream of each tower, allowing for higher density placement of turbines in a given area. This innovative design addresses the scalability limitations of offshore wind power and promotes efficient use of ocean resources, contributing to SDG 7.
Scaling Up: World Wide Wind’s Ambitious Goals
World Wide Wind aims to surpass the current largest wind turbine, MingYang Smart Energy 16.0-242, which stands at 242 meters tall with a capacity of 16 MW. Their VAWTs have the potential to reach a staggering height of 400 meters with a capacity of 40 MW per unit. This significant increase in size and capacity could revolutionize offshore wind power and make it more cost-effective, aligning with SDG 7.
The Path Forward
World Wide Wind plans to accelerate the development of their VAWTs through rapid prototyping. They aim to have a 3 MW model operational by 2026 and a 40 MW model by 2029. By pushing the boundaries of wind energy technology, World Wide Wind contributes to SDG 7 by promoting innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
Conclusion
While World Wide Wind’s VAWTs hold great promise for offshore wind power, further research and testing are needed to validate their claims. The company’s ambitious goals and partnerships with industry experts demonstrate their commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. As the world urgently seeks to decarbonize and expand renewable energy sources, innovations like World Wide Wind’s VAWTs offer hope for a sustainable future aligned with the SDGs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Energy output of the floating, vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs)
- Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) per megawatt
- Scalability of the VAWT design
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Energy output of the floating, vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) per megawatt |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Scalability of the VAWT design |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newatlas.com
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