John Wood : SgurrControl validates solution to extend wind turbine life

SgurrControl, part of Wood Group's clean energy business, has completed the two-year testing and validation of its patented Advanced Turbine Load Alleviation System (ATLAS), proving that the groundbreaking solution significantly extends the lifespan of wind turbines by reducing blade and drive train loads.

Onsite testing demonstrated the potential to double blade fatigue life. The 10% reduction in blade fatigue load initially modelled was validated in the test campaign. Application of the findings offers even greater benefits for the life span of offshore wind turbine blades. In addition, new wind turbine designs are expected to benefit from capital (CAPEX) cost reductions of 5%.

The research and development project, funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC, now Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy), deployed and commissioned ATLAS on the University of Minnesota's test turbine - a 2.5MW Clipper C96. SgurrControl validated the ATLAS system using field data and analysis, which allowed a complete assessment of the impact and benefits.

ATLAS involves pitching the blades independently so that they respond actively to the varying wind field across the rotor. The existing pitch system is utilised such that no physical changes are required. The test turbine was also equipped with a blade load and acceleration measurement system which enabled further insight into the effects of ATLAS.

Global technology firm, Romax Technology, partnered with SgurrControl on this project. Engineers using the wind turbine drivetrain design and simulation tool RomaxWind independently assessed the impact of ATLAS on the drivetrain and pitch bearings.

Barry James, Chief Technology Officer at Romax said: 'One of the most exciting aspects of this technology is its ability to be fine-tuned to match the characteristics of a given drivetrain, making it applicable to many different turbine types. This technology could have a wide ranging, positive impact on the wind industry, with huge potential to extend wind farm lifespan and increase return on project investment.' Romax also confirmed that the tests identified no detrimental effect of using ATLAS on the pitch system.

Director at SgurrControl, David Robb, said: 'It's fantastic to see these groundbreaking results, validating a solution that we have been working on and refining for a number of years. This project provides a real life example of the results that can be realised from using individual blade control on an operating wind turbine. ATLAS can be retrofitted to existing wind turbines to significantly extend their life, or the technology can be integrated into the design phase of new wind turbines to reduce costs by 5% for a 3MW wind turbine. This is a significant step forward for the industry.'

The results of the research and development were presented at the WindEurope summit in Hamburg this week.