For the first time in offshore wind, developers, and foundation designers can now perform preliminary, integrated load and foundation designs to optimize foundations prior to bid submission.
The software tool, developed in collaboration between MHI Vestas and Ramboll, allows foundation designers to independently perform integrated load analyses in an encapsulated, or closed-system, version of the full turbine model used for detailed foundation load simulations.
As part of the MVOW SMART Turbine product portfolio announced last week, the SMART Foundation Loads tool produces substantive improvements in preliminary foundation designs, further optimizing an offshore wind developer’s business case.
MHI Vestas Head of Technical Engineering, Kenji Sato, said, “The Smart Foundation Loads software tool is a great example of our commitment to create optimal value for customers through a collaborative approach. Our partnership with Ramboll has produced a new industry standard – one that promises to save our customers time and money.”
Designed with engineering consultancy Frazer-Nash, the software optimizes Front End Engineering & Design studies with more accurate early stage modeling and a reduced risk profile for future MHI Vestas projects. The concept was verified on a full-site calculation basis, with the loads producing a near-perfect match to the fully integrated model.
Tim Fischer, Vice Director of Ramboll’s Wind Division: “This joint development project has certainly strengthened the collaboration between MHI Vestas and Ramboll. We already have one of the most effective interfaces within the market and with this development we set a new standard in the industry. We look forward to building on this development and continuing the great collaboration with MHI Vestas.”
The SMART Foundation Loads software package is a part of the MVOW SMART Turbine product portfolio by MHI Vestas, the company’s most ambitious suite of smart turbine products offered to date.
Filed Under: News, Software
