Aerodynamic Rotatable Integrated Support for Wind Turbine Systems
We are proposing a feasibility study to validate a new class of offshore wind turbine tower – the rotatable, self-aligning Wind Rider system. The system introduces a teardrop-shaped aerodynamic tower that can yaw passively with the wind by means of a bearing at the tower base. This eliminates the need for the heavy and maintenance-intensive nacelle yaw system currently used on conventional wind turbines. By moving the yaw mechanism to the base, the tower can achieve substantial reductions in tower base bending moments (up to 78% compared to fixed towers) and improve the structural efficiency of the entire turbine support system.
The concept is designed to be applicable to both fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind turbines, offering a platform-independent innovation. Through this project, the consortium aims to generate high-fidelity aerodynamic and aeroelastic data to confirm the tower’s stability, load response, and yaw tracking performance under realistic wind and wave conditions. Advanced CFD and aeroelastic simulations will be conducted using ANSYS Fluent and DNV Bladed, ensuring compatibility with IEC 61400-1 and 61400-3 standards.
- F1 Wind
- F5 Marine power
- H3 Energy as a service
Contact
Company: Wind Rider Caledonia Limited
Type of Organisation: SME
Country: United Kingdom
Web: https://www.wind-rider.co.uk/about
Telephone: 07535840060
Brief description of my Organisation
Wind Rider Caledoina is dedicated to develop the groundbreaking innovation of rotatable turbine tower, offering a paradigm shift of smart tower design leading to 10% wind farm LCOE reduction by reducing wind loads, tower weight, and foundation construction costs, O & M cost while enhancing safety and boosting energy production.
