Direct approach: improving wind turbine drivetrain reliability

For nearly a year, people gazing across Scotland’s Firth of Forth have been able to catch sight of an impressive feat of engineering: the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbine. The 7MW monster — the first of its kind — has blade tips that tower 196m above sea level, sweeping an area twice the size of the London Eye.

The majestic structure is part of a bigger plan to make use of the UK’s offshore wind capabilities. The total offshore generating capacity in UK waters provides around eight terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year, enough to power around two million homes. Industry estimates suggest that by 2020, offshore wind will supply between eight to 10 per cent of the UK’s electricity annually.

The technology is giving the UK a chance to conquer a growing global market. Offshore construction costs are high, but fairly predictable. Without the same size constraints, wind turbines at sea provide economies of scale. They also produce far more energy than their land-based equivalent, with offshore turbines reaching 3–8MW of capacity. These energy gains, however, come at a cost when it comes to maintenance.