Three Firms Nominated for Windalliance Technology Award in Husum, Germany

An independent jury has nominated HOCHTIEF Solutions, Kenersys Europe and SkyWind for the international Windalliance Technology Award. The award ceremony will take place at the leading international trade fair HUSUM WindEnergy on 19 September in Husum. In addition to the innovative character of the products and solutions submitted, the selection criteria of the four-person jury of experts also included their ecological, economical and social benefits.

“The candidates were very diverse,” stated jury member Dr Klaus Rave, president of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and vice-president of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). “They ranged from new turbine concepts and process engineering to storage solutions and measuring systems.”

Noise protection for marine creatures: the new foundation process from HOCHTIEF and HERRENKNECHT

Partners HOCHTIEF Solutions AG, represented by the centres of excellence for offshore wind and tunnel construction in Hamburg and Essen, and HERRENKNECHT AG have jointly developed the “Offshore Foundation Drilling” (OFD®) process. With the OFD® process the foundation elements are drilled out inside and their own weight is used to bring them into position in the foundation soil.

This permits significantly larger monopile diameters than ever before, which makes it possible to install more powerful wind turbines even in heterogeneous geological conditions.  Compared with the usual ramming procedure, the new process also massively reduces the acoustic emissions, which fore example affect porpoises in the North and Baltic Seas.

Flexible: the Kenersys platform strategy

Münster-based Kenersys GmbH has developed the “One-World-Turbine”, a standardised platform for wind turbines suitable for most wind, grid and climate conditions worldwide. Using a single technology platform, parameters such as rotor size, hub height or generator nominal capacity are adapted to suit the wind conditions of each site. Kenersys has thus been able to optimise the costs by using standardised components while creating a site-specific solution at the same time.

Modular: the modular technology test turbine from SkyWind

Costs can also by reduced with the new SkyWind 3.4-megawatt modular technology test turbine for wind turbine components. The system that the Schleswig-Holstein based enterprise has entered for the technology prize has a modular structure throughout. All the main functions are assigned to individual modules. The system allows component manufacturers to test, exchange, develop and showcase new products in a real wind turbine. Because the tower also serves as a crane, the turbine can also be erected at not easily accessible locations with little logistical effort.

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Press release, September 5, 2012; Image: HOCHTIEF Solutions AG