Floating wind has emerged as a promising solution for expanding energy production capacity in deeper offshore areas, where traditional fixed-bottom wind turbines are not viable. Thanks to innovation in materials, design and anchoring technology, floating structures are revolutionizing the offshore sector.

Innovations in floating wind structures

Recent advances in floating structures are aimed at improving stability, reducing costs, and facilitating installation. Some of the major innovations include:

• New lightweight and strong materials: Lighter composite materials have been developed, reducing the overall weight of the structure and transportation costs.
• Advanced anchoring systems: Dynamic anchoring systems allow the placement of turbines in deeper waters (greater than 60 meters) with greater stability.
• Modular platforms: Floating platforms are now modular, making them easier to assemble on-site and reducing installation times.
• Higher capacity turbines: The design of larger turbines, up to 15 MW, optimizes the energy performance of floating platforms, maximizing production in areas of high winds.

Maintenance of Floating Wind Structures

The maintenance of floating wind structures is more complex than that of onshore or fixed-bottom turbines, due to the extreme conditions of the sea. However, hand tool technology has advanced to make these tasks more efficient and safer.

Maintenance Challenges

• Difficult access: Floating platforms travel more than fixed structures, which can make access to turbines more difficult.
• Climate and waves: Variable marine conditions require robust, easy-to-handle tools that operate under the pressure of humid and corrosive environments.

Hand Tools for Offshore Maintenance

The use of specialized tools is crucial for maintenance work. Some of the most important include:

• Portable hydraulic wrenches: These tools allow large bolts to be tightened and loosened under high-pressure conditions, minimizing human effort.
• Compact lifting equipment: Portable cranes and forklifts designed to operate in confined spaces and on floating platforms.
• Portable monitoring sensors: Handheld tools that enable on-site inspection of critical components, such as cables and towers, without the need for bulky equipment.

Best Practices for Maintenance

• Advance planning: Given the complexity of access, it is vital to carry out a risk analysis prior to any intervention.
• Use of augmented reality (AR) technology: AR makes maintenance tasks easier by offering interactive visual guides that assist operators.
• Specialized training: It is essential that operators are trained in the use of advanced hand tools for offshore environments.

Floating wind structures represent the future of offshore energy, and with them come new challenges, especially in terms of maintenance. Advances in hand tools and repair techniques make these operations safer and more efficient, ensuring the durability and operability of these innovative floating platforms. For operators, staying on top of the latest technologies is key to meeting the challenges of this dynamic sector.