French company promises to innovate in the production of offshore wind energy by producing a pyramid-shaped turbine model

French company Eolink is developing a new offshore wind turbine with a triangular base that could revolutionize the market. The design features easy installation and maintenance.

Wind energy is a renewable energy generated from the wind capable of transforming the kinetic energy of the movement of the wind turbine into electrical energy very cheaply and without generating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A Wind energy can be used both on land and offshore. Some companies have developed wind turbines capable of floating in the sea, known as offshore wind power. The company from France, Eolink, plans to innovate in this generation model, and is already about to test it.

Eolink develops pyramid-based offshore wind turbine

In 2021 alone, around 57,2 GW of energy was generated through offshore wind power plants. In China alone, 27,7 GW of energy were produced in this model. However, the way they are installed at sea is very similar to those installed on land.

Usually, a huge pole is fixed to the bottom of the sea, where the propellers are installed. In this way, the attachment of the turbines is limited to a given depth of the ocean, so that many materials and engineering are not used, generating savings.

A eolink has worked on the development of a model with a pyramidal base that replaces the single pole that supports the wind turbine. The pyramidal base acts like the feet of a ferris wheel: two triangles on each side support the propeller in the middle of them.

This model contributes to the way in which the weight of the blades is distributed in the structure. This allows for up to 30% less steel to be used in the production of the offshore wind energy.

Eolink project can generate cheaper renewable energy and facilitate acquisition for small companies

The company estimates that its model provides electricity around 20% to 25% cheaper than other technologies seen as a reference in the market. Its design also makes its propellers bigger. The blades do not pose a risk of hitting the tower, which allows longer and more flexible blades to be installed. This benefit can enable up to 10% more energy production depending on wind conditions. Regarding the installation and maintenance of the wind turbine, the Eolink's model plans to be much more practical.

The model does not need to be attached directly to the seabed. They float at relatively shallow depths and are attached to the ground by means of cables. When built, it is only necessary to place them in the water and tow them to the place where they will be installed.

A maintenance of triangular wind towers it is simple, as its design allows the opposite path to be taken just by taking them back to the port, where the work can be done in a simpler way. This makes it unnecessary to use expensive equipment, such as crane ships, to keep wind energy towers up and running.

Eolink receives millionaire investments

According to information, the French company received investments of US$23 million. The value will make it possible for Eolink to develop a full-scale 5 MW offshore wind turbine for the first tests to be carried out.

The project will have a square base of 52 meters on each side and will weigh 1100 tons. Its construction began this month and the estimate is that by the autumn of next year it will already be installed at the SEM-REV test site in the French Atlantic Ocean.

However, the company's plans do not stop there, the objective is, in the future, to develop a 20 MW turbine using this same project, being the largest wind turbine in the world.