This document describes a floating vertical axis wind turbine design optimized for offshore environments. It has a vertical rotor inside a floating hull with heavy components secured inside. Additionally, gyro stabilization will suppress pitch and roll movements. Key benefits are protecting components inside the floater, reduced maintenance needs due to stabilization, and lower installation and maintenance costs compared to traditional offshore wind turbines. The technology is patented and seeking partners for further research and development.

1. FLOATING VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE
Keywords: Floating-, vertical axis-, wind turbine, gyro stabilization
Background
Current offshore wind turbines are originally designed for land-based operation. The project
aims for designing a floating wind turbine optimized for open ocean environment, using a
vertical rotor, with heavy parts like the generator placed securely in the hull of the floating
unit. Additionally, gyro stabilization will further suppress pitch and roll movements.
Description
Acess to onshore acreage for setting up wind parks will be limited due to the current
development of parks and competition with other needs such as agriculture, housing, air
traffic radar and plain esthetics. Acess to shallow water sites are limited and a large part of the
world’s coastline has little or none. Wind speed and continuous operation are of key
importance to park owners. At offshore locations winds blow more continuously with a higher
wind speed.
Applications and benefits
The new generation Ocean Wind Turbine Vessel suited
for large offshore wind parks is based on our
knowledge on dynamics and the related structural
challenges posed on structures in these environments.
Key features are:
- Vertical rotor, low centre of gravity
- Protection of key components inside floater;
- Reduced need for maintenance and increased access
for maintenance
- Gyro-stabilisation to reduce pitch and roll motion
(patented)
- Tether anchoring to reduce heave movements
- Reduced cost of installation and maintenance
Status
Technology verification Figure The gyro stabilized wind turbine.
IPR
Patent pending internationally, granted in Norway
We are seeking partners for joint research and R&D