9 February 2024
Atlas Copco has supplied a QES 60 power generator for the successful installation of the world’s first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine, in southeast China's Fujian Province. Atlas Copco's partner in the region, Chengdu Shiwei Technology Corporation, delivered this reliable QES power generator to provide the critical power supply needed for the spreader to install the three large turbine blades.
QES 60 generator powers the wind turbine installation
Investing in wind power
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first half of 2023, China’s total generated power reached 4.17 trillion kWh, up 3.8 percent year-on-year, with wind power increasing 16 percent year-on-year.
As part of the country’s commitment to sustainability, China has invested in and built the world's largest offshore wind farm in terms of single-unit capacity, in the Fujian province. The wind farm, which is located approximately 35 kilometers offshore from Pingtan, consists of 11 offshore wind turbine units, including the world's largest 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine unit. The total installed capacity of the wind farm reaches 111 megawatts.
the world's first 16MW wind turbine
The 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine is 152 meters high and includes the world’s longest turbine blades at 123 meters, and each blade weighs 54 tons. The total swept area of the three blades is approximately 50,000 m2, which is equivalent to the area of seven standard-sized football fields.
At full wind speed, the wind turbine can generate 34.2 kWh of power after one full rotation. Its annual power output is estimated to average over 66 million kWh and is expected to meet the annual demand of 36,000 three-person families, saving 22,000 tons of standard coal, and reducing 54,000 tons of carbon dioxide.
Installation challenges
The installation was facilitated by China’s most advanced self-lifting and self-propelled integrated wind power installation platform Baihetan, with a lifting capacity of 2,000 tons. However, the installation of such a large turbine was no easy feat, and the turbine’s vast size caused significant challenges.
The altitude and the marine environment also made this project extremely complex. Additionally, the wind-exposed surface area of the turbine increases with each blade added. As a result, the third blade had to be installed in one operation without interruption to ensure the overall stability of the structure. This required particular demands from the generator.
The humidity and salty sea air could easily corrode the machines, so the equipment needed to be able to withstand these conditions. Additionally, the blades were docked at a height of 100m, and working at such a high altitude required equipment with a remote-control function. Finally, in this application, downtime would represent a huge loss, and the stability and durability of the generators were essential.
A customized generator for harsh operations
Atlas Copco's QES 60 power generator
Chengdu Shiwei Technology Corporation recommended Atlas Copco’s QES 60 power generator as they knew it would be able to operate reliably in these challenging conditions. The QES 60 was ideal for the application as it can withstand harsh elements and is equipped with a remote operation and monitoring system. Operators can instruct the unit from a distant platform, monitoring the generators' performance and overseeing the process remotely.
The QES 60 power generator was also modified slightly to meet the customer’s specific needs. “This QES generator set was specially designed with a large capacity tank so that it could work continuously for more than 24 hours without fail, therefore providing the reliability and stability needed,” explains Wang. “Additionally, the waterproof canopy underwent a C5M coating and painting process to provide higher corrosion resistance compared to conventional models. The generator was also equipped with an anti-condensation heater to improve the anticorrosion and moisture resistance of the electrical core components.”
Favourable wind
The QES 60 power generator worked continuously for more than 24 hours
The installation of the vast offshore wind farm marks a breakthrough in high-end wind turbine manufacturing and deep-sea offshore wind power construction capabilities.
“The effective setup and utilization of the wind turbine represents a significant achievement in advancing China's offshore wind power industry toward extensive offshore innovation,” said Fangjian Xie, Project Manager at Chengdu Shiwei Technology Corporation.
Globally, installed offshore wind capacity reached 63.2 GW by the end of the first half of 2023, 45 percent of which (28.7 GW) is now installed in China, according to the annual report published by industry body World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO). Furthermore, the country provides nearly 60 percent of global wind turbine equipment. China’s growth continues, with 2.2 GW of newly installed capacity during the first half of 2023.
The 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine is expected to boost the development of China’s offshore wind power industry even further, and Atlas Copco is proud to be contributing towards the optimization of renewable energy usage.
