Japanese company J-POWER introduces the Flexible Tripile wind turbine foundation design. This technology was developed in collaboration with the University of Tokyo , and is built specifically for the geological conditions of Japan, where shallow bedrock presents unique challenges for the construction of offshore wind farms.
The Flexible Triplex Foundation Model
The Flexible Triplex stands out for its ability to reduce vibrations caused by earthquakes, improving the stability of wind turbines in seismic conditions, thanks to its design that uses steel tubes and square steel plates in its structure.
Unlike the monopile foundations used in Europe, which are not ideal for hard and rocky soils, the new foundation model allows for better adaptation to these terrains, making installation more efficient and accessible. This technology also facilitates construction in regions where the seabed is difficult to drill.
In addition to its seismic resistance, the flexible design allows the wind turbine structures to move with a long oscillation period, reducing the risk of resonance between the towers and seismic movements. This improves the safety of the installations, and allows the system to be scalable for larger wind turbines in the future.
The development of the Flexible Tripile is part of the company’s commitment to the J-POWER BLUE MISSION 2050 , which aims to promote carbon neutrality. This development represents a further step towards the expansion of offshore wind energy in Japan, a country that faces unique challenges due to its seismic activity and geography.
The Japanese company has been conducting tests with scale models to validate the effectiveness of the foundation technology and has found that it reduces vibrations compared to currently used foundations.
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