Much innovation in the Floating Wind sector and it strives for a quantum leap forwards. Different countries take varying approaches. The UK led with the ORE Catapult a public sector body which perhaps also has that mindset. The US has the 'Floating Wind Shot' which encourages innovation while the Japanese, in this instance, offers a commercial corporate approach with a JV seeking to tap in to regional and potentially global markets.
FAWT is a concept where a vertical-axis wind turbine is supported by a “rotating” cylindrical floating foundation. One of its main features is that the wind turbine can be tilted 20 degrees at maximum output, as it is designed to maintain effectiveness even when tilted which could allow for downsizing for the floating foundation and reduce equipment costs.
In addition, the wind turbine can be manufactured at low cost through continuous pultrusion, a molding process used to form composite materials into long shapes, with carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), the partners said.
By taking advantage of the characteristics to install vertical axis close to sea level due to their specific characteristics, operation and maintenance costs for the major apparatus are also anticipated to be lower.
