JUNE/JULY 2013 | £5.25 - Wind Energy Network

developments in foundation technologydevelopments in foundation technologyFoundationconcept meetscustomerdemandsPeikko introduces a revolutionarydesign tool to enhance theirFoundation ConceptAdvanced design toolsThe aim is to optimise the selectedsolution for a customer within onebusiness day. Design innovation ispossible because Peikko uses advanced3D design tools and integratedconfigurations. Once completed, designscan be exported to customer and used togenerate rebar schedules, Bill of Quantityand component blocks.SpecificationsAnchors in Grade 8.8, 10.9 & FATBARcan be used. Peikko’s post-tensioningFatBar bolts have European TechnicalApproval (ETA-10/0246) certificationFor large towers the use of FATBAR(which affords a capacity 20% higher thanGrade 10.9) and is specifically designedfor fatigue loading and is instrumental inachieving economies.Foundation protection in the long termApril 2013 saw the installation of the5th monopile at the DanTysk offshorewind farm, located 70km off theGerman coastline.International Paint has been chosen toprovide the high performance protectivecoatings that ensure the foundations thatsupport these structures, which reach148 metres above sea level, are protectedfrom corrosion for many years to come.Design lifetimeWith turbine design lifetimes in excess of20 years, it is vitally important that the rightcorrosion protection is chosen to helpminimise expensive and time consumingmaintenance and repair work.Industry standardsAdhering to an industry standard such asISO 20340 can help guide the selectionof protective coatings, but choosing acoating system with a proven, real lifetrack record offshore is absolutely vital.Working togetherInternational Paint was selected as thecoating supplier for the foundationsfor DanTysk by Smulders Group,headquartered in Helmond, TheNetherlands. The two companies havea strong history of work on offshorewind projects and it is confidence inInternational Paint’s coatings range whichSmulders found attractive.Customer specificationFor corrosion protection on DanTysk,International Paint’s Interzone® 954 isbeing utilised. Interzone 954 is a lowVOC, high solids epoxy coating which cangive long term protection in a single coat.For DanTysk two coats of Interzone 954were utilised, overcoated with an aesthetictopcoat, in line with the customerspecification.Harsh conditionsThe harsh conditions offshore place hugedemands upon protective coatings, testingtheir ability to withstand the highly salineenvironment and mechanical damagefrom impact. Interzone 954 is particularlyversatile and has been proven throughsuccessful long term, in-field performanceto meet these challenges in immersed,splash zone and also atmosphericconditions.Future collaborationSmulders and International Paint will beworking together on a number of upcomingoffshore wind farms, giving extensiveprotection to these high value assets.International Paintwww.international-pc.comSmulders Groupwww.smuldersgroup.comBuilding on its experience since the 1990sin the supply of Wind Turbine foundationanchors the Peikko Group has recentlydeveloped an advanced design tool foronshore wind turbine foundationsServing the industryWith the new design tool and procedurethe company is able to better servewind turbine manufacturers, wind farmdevelopers, investors and engineeringoffices by quickly and economicallyevaluating foundation options.The conceptThe foundation concept comprisesintegrated design of the anchor cage,with rebar cage coupled to a central hubto produce a foundation which reducestonnage of rebar and the volume ofconcrete.The cost-effectiveness and reliability ofPeikko’s foundation solution is a result ofextensive R&D work alongside wind turbinemanufacturers and engineering partners.Integrated approachThis integrated approach has proved tobe a cost-efficient and advanced solutionwith supply to projects with turbinesmanufactured by (for example) Alstom,Hyundai and Vestas.Peikkowww.peikko.co.uk= Click to view video40 www.windenergynetwork.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 41