Statoil chooses Kongsberg EmPower for Hywind Demo

Statoil will monitor the condition of the turbine using the EmPower system, and evaluate its functionality to discover early signs of fault, and calculate remaining lifetime for main components.

Statoil has been awarded a grant from ENOVA to test the condition monitoring capabilities of the Kongsberg EmPower system for the floating wind turbine Hywind Demo. Statoil will monitor the condition of the turbine using the EmPower system, and evaluate its functionality to discover early signs of fault, and calculate remaining lifetime for main components. This will contribute to a reduction of maintenance costs and downtime caused by unforeseen faults and maintenance need for offshore wind turbines.

"Installation of Kongsberg EmPower at Statoils Hywind Demo is an important milestone for us. Hywind Demo is the first floating wind turbine installed in the world. The information from Kongsberg EmPower will enable Statoil to better plan maintenance activities ahead, which is especially critical offshore with highly varying weather conditions. Improved prediction and planning of maintenance potentially entails a substantial cost reduction" says Kristian Holm, President of Kongsberg Renewables Technology.
Kongsberg EmPower is a turbine independent decision support system based on KONGSBERG's broad experience on automation and decision support systems for the defence and maritime sectors as well as offshore oil and gas. Installation of the system for the Hywind Demo will be conducted during spring 2016.
Hywind Demo - the Worlds first full-scale floating wind turbine
In 2009 Statoil invested in the research, development, construction and installation of the Hywind Demo turbine. The turbine was set into operation in 2010.
"Kongsberg EmPower can potentially increase efficiency further by predicting maintenance needs and thereby reducing potential downtime. It will also improve maintenance planning and through this, give more flexible and efficient maintenance operations. We look forward to testing the technology", says Sverre Trollnes of Statoil, Head of Wind Operations.
"Through the first years of testing, the Hywind concept has been verified, performing beyond expectations. The Hywind concept has few operational challenges, excellent production output, and well-functioning technical systems. This opens new renewable energy business opportunities, utilizing offshore areas for clean energy production," says Stephen Bull of Statoil, Senior Vice President Wind and CCS.
"Enova invested in the Hywind-Demo in 2007 and we are very happy to take part in this project as well. When this technology succeeds, there will be potential for an increase in the energy production from the Hywind-Demo, as well as other wind farms in the future, "says Nils Kristian Nakstad, CEO of Enova.

Featured Product

U.S. BATTERY RENEWABLE ENERGY SERIES DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES

U.S. BATTERY RENEWABLE ENERGY SERIES DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES

Our RE Series batteries are designed to provide the highest peak capacity, longest cycle life, and greatest reliability for use in industrial or residential renewable energy applications. Renewable Energy Series batteries utilize the company's exclusive XC2™ formulation and Diamond Plate Technology® to create the industry's most efficient battery plates, delivering greater watt-hours per liter and watt-hours per kilogram than any other flooded lead-acid battery in the market. Our Deep Cycle batteries are engineered to work with solar panels as well as other renewable energy applications.