The sea along the Norwegian coast can be very unforgiving. If we are to harness both fair and foul weather using offshore wind turbines, they must be extremely robust. In addition, profitability must be improved.

Fortunately, there are smart researchers whose job is to tackle this very challenge – to develop wind turbines that are lighter, more robust, more cost-effective and more efficient. One of these researchers is Associate Professor Shuaishuai Wang at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU’s) Department of Marine Technology.

Wang has written several articles on offshore wind power in prestigious journals.

“The results are often particularly relevant for technologists and industry,” said Wang.

Wang’s work focuses on practical solutions that can improve offshore wind technology and its usability.

For example, one of the articles written by Wang and his colleagues discusses a new solution for gearboxes in wind turbines.

“The study addresses one of the most significant technical challenges in offshore wind power. We need to improve the efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness of the turbines’ drivetrain,” said Wang.

Using computer simulations, he and his colleagues Amir Nejad, Erin E. Bachynski and Torgeir Moan developed a new gearbox that is more compact, thereby reducing both the weight and size by 20–30 per cent.

“It can help make offshore installations both easier to install and more cost-effective,” said Wang.

The gearbox they developed is also more robust and stable in use, meaning it can last longer under the harsh conditions at sea and requires less maintenance – ensuring further cost savings.

This article has been very well received by both academics and several technology companies, and has been cited many times in prominent journals. Companies such as Vestas, CSSC Haizhuang Windpower Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd have voiced interest.

Other articles written by members of this research community have also garnered attention. These articles investigate various aspects of wind turbines that could increase the likelihood of them being used, ensuring that energy production is as stable, secure and profitable as possible.

“In recent years, I have mainly focused on the structural design and analysis of floating offshore wind turbines,” said Wang.

Due to the depth of the sea off the Norwegian coast, most offshore wind turbines must be designed to float.

“Weight and structural balance are much more critical for floating offshore wind turbines than for other types of wind turbines,” explained Wang.

For example, the aforementioned gearbox is an ideal candidate for use in future wind turbines, as it is both lighter and more balanced. New wind turbines are designed to generate more energy than the current 10 MW – we are talking 15 MW or more.

“The industry is rapidly moving toward floating wind technology and more efficient turbines. We believe our findings are interesting for the entire wind energy sector,” concluded Wang.