Revolutionizing wind energy: Innovative floating turbine with pyramid base promises efficiency
Traditionally, wind turbines have been associated with windmills on tall, solitary legs. However, a new floating turbine prototype erected in New Bedford proposes an alternative approach. The design features a pyramid-shaped base, positioning the turbine to efficiently capture marine wind energy.
7:48 AM EST, December 24, 2023
The concept is introduced by T-Omega Wind. The company points out that conventional wind turbines demand substantial resources for offshore installation. According to the inventors, nearly four metric tons of weights must be used for every metric ton of above-water construction. The pyramid-shaped base significantly reduces this requirement.
What's the benefit of a marine turbine with a pyramid base?
The goal extends beyond mere innovation in the name of competition. The central objective is to maximize utilization of maritime areas. Wind generally blows stronger at sea or over the ocean. Utilizing these spaces can also alleviate land pressure.
The pyramid-shaped base not only limits material usage but also reduces the production cost of the turbine. It enhances the structure's overall stability and, through unique engineering solutions, enables the turbine to rotate to optimize wind energy capture. A bonus is that the structure can be built (and maintained) on land before being installed at the designated offshore site, which is another way to cut operational costs.
Currently, a prototype that's 1/16th the size of the intended turbine has been installed near New Bedford. Preliminary tests suggest that the energy production cost will closely align with that of conventional offshore wind turbines. However, if the design can reduce costs at the production phase, it may stand as an appealing solution that could influence other companies.
