Are Larger Wind Turbines Truly the Future?

The wind industry, particularly its offshore segment, is abuzz with the promise of larger turbines, boasting capacities of 10 MW and beyond. But does bigger always equate to better?

A comprehensive study by SINTEF Energy Research in Norway has cast new light on this question, exploring the impact of upscaling wind turbines from 5 MW to 10 MW on operational and maintenance (O&M) costs. This article delves into the intricate dynamics of these costs, challenging the notion that scaling up is the ultimate solution for reducing the cost of energy.

Using a discrete-event simulation model, the study compared the O&M costs of a wind farm composed of 80 turbines at 5 MW each with a farm of 40 turbines at 10 MW each, both with a total capacity of 400 MW. The findings reveal that while larger turbines might reduce certain costs, they also introduce significant challenges.

Initially, the study found that replacing two 5 MW turbines with one 10 MW turbine could lead to a 24% reduction in O&M costs due to fewer units requiring maintenance. However, the study’s simulation showed that an increase in failure rates or maintenance durations for larger turbines could swiftly negate any cost benefits. Larger turbines, due to their complexity and the increased mechanical stress on components, are more prone to higher failure rates. In fact, a 50% increase in failure rates would make the O&M costs of 10 MW turbines higher than those of their 5 MW counterparts.

While the cost of spare parts is indeed a concern, it has a less pronounced impact on overall O&M costs compared to failure rates and maintenance durations. The study indicated that spare part costs would have to surge by 450% for 10 MW turbines to surpass the O&M costs of their smaller counterparts.

These findings present both opportunities and challenges for offshore wind energy professionals. The potential for O&M cost savings with larger turbines is clear, but it hinges on the ability to manage and mitigate failure rates and maintenance durations. Enhancing the reliability of larger turbines is paramount. Investing in robust preventive maintenance strategies and cutting-edge turbine technology can mitigate failure rates and reduce downtime.

The transition to larger wind turbines holds promise for reducing the cost of offshore wind energy, but it is fraught with challenges that must be addressed proactively. By focusing on reliability and adaptive maintenance strategies, the industry can harness the benefits of upscaling while mitigating the risks.

‍

‍Reference: Hofmann, M., & Sperstad, I. B. (2014). Will 10 MW wind turbines bring down the operation and maintenance cost of offshore wind farms? Energy Procedia, 53, 231-238.

‍

Photo by Jesse De Meulenaere on Unsplash