Turbine Access System to debut at Seawork 2010
The Turbine Access System in its stowed position at the bow of a new design TSV series aluminium wind farm catamaran.
BMT Nigel Gee and Houlder Ltd have teamed up to develop a unique Turbine Access System (TAS) which will make its world debut at Seawork 2010.
Current offshore wind turbine crew access operations are carried out using the relatively high risk friction lock-on method.
BMT Nigel Gee, the independent naval architect and marine design consultancy and Houlder Ltd, the specialist mechanical marine designer, have designed a TAS which increases safety as well as transfer wave height capability.
The TAS achieves this by allowing the vessel a degree of vertical movement at the turbine by utilising a damped roller system and executing crew transfer via a lightweight, motion compensated gangway.
In allowing the vessel a degree of damped movement, the connection between the vessel and the turbine becomes a controlled one as opposed to the traditional uncontrolled reliance on a total friction connection. The vertical movement of the vessel results in a safer connection, eliminating the risk of friction breakaway. This, in turn, results in an ability to remain on station at the turbine in greater wave heights than achieved with the static friction lock-on technique.
Furthermore, the damped roller system allows the vessel to position efficiently and safely at the turbine without the need for DP, eliminating wasted working time.
The roller system restricts the vessel movement in terms of surge, yaw and sway, and hence the lightweight gangway is only required to react to motions of pitch, heave and roll. Depending upon the application, the roll motion can either be absorbed using a resilient mounting or by active motion compensation. Heave and pitch are absorbed using active motion control. The TAS therefore provides an access platform which is static in relation to the turbine and which is separated from the roller system at the vessel – turbine connection point.
The method and concepts of the Turbine Access System are subject to a Patent application.
BMT has also developed a series of aluminium catamaran designs suitable for personnel transfer to nearshore wind farms. The design portfolio extends from 17m to 24m in length and benefit from the company’s experience of having designed in excess of 60 high speed aluminium catamarans.
All the vessels are designed to the MCA SCV Code and incorporate features to ensure optimum efficiency and seakeeping relative to their length. The TSV 24 is designed specifically to minimise fuel consumption at 25 knots whilst offering the best possible motions of the TSV series. Design data has demonstrated that the TSV 24 will provide fuel savings of approximately 15% over a 20m vessel and significantly improved comfort levels in a seaway.
BMT Nigel Gee is exhibiting on Stand 117 at Seawork 2010.
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