Acteon, a renowned global provider of offshore engineering and technology services, has secured a significant contract for operations and maintenance (O&M) work at the Kincardine offshore wind farm.
This comprehensive project encompasses integrated structural health monitoring, motion tracking, and the creation of a structural response digital twin for the wind farm’s floating turbines.
Situated 15 km off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland, the Kincardine wind farm is operated by Grupo Cobra on behalf of Kincardine Offshore Windfarm Ltd (KOWL), with DRAGADOS S.A. as the majority shareholder. Work commenced in the spring of 2024.
Cutting-Edge Monitoring Systems
Pulse, Acteon’s established brand specializing in structural monitoring, is leading the design, supply, and installation of state-of-the-art structural health and motion monitoring systems for the floating wind turbines.
These systems will incorporate six-degree-of-freedom motion monitoring, position and heading sensors on the platforms, additional load strain gauges, and data connectivity infrastructure.
Advanced Systems Engineering for Digital Twin
Concurrently, 2H, Acteon’s renowned advanced systems engineering brand, is developing and implementing a structural response digital twin based on machine learning techniques.
Seamlessly integrated with the monitoring systems, this digital twin will offer unprecedented insights into asset response during operations, providing early warnings of potential anomalies and aiding in the optimization of future inspection and survey activities.
The operational data collected will also prove invaluable for extending the asset’s lifespan.
Collaboration and Funding
Throughout the 18-month project, Acteon will work closely with Grupo Cobra to advance digital twin technology. The project receives partial funding from Red.es (Grant ID: 2021/C005/00149745) through the Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan, supported by the EU (Next Generation EU).
The Kincardine offshore wind farm, equipped with five V164-9.5 MW turbines mounted on Principle Power WindFloat platforms, is among the world’s largest operational floating wind farms. Located in water depths ranging from 60 to 80 meters, these turbines have been generating clean energy since October 2021.
Unlocking Deep-Water Wind Energy Potential
Juan Antonio López, Grupo Cobra’s O&M Manager, emphasized the significance of floating turbines for harnessing clean energy in deep waters, where 80% of the world’s offshore wind resources are located.
He sees Scotland as a frontrunner in floating wind developments, with Kincardine serving as a testament to the technology’s readiness. Acteon’s work in understanding asset response to real-world conditions will be invaluable for managing the wind farm and informing future floating wind projects.
Integrated Solution for Dynamic Assets
Tim Eyles, Vice President of Acteon, stressed the importance of an integrated monitoring and digital twin solution.
He highlighted Acteon’s expertise in structural monitoring and the design of dynamic offshore assets, which will contribute to the digital twin’s response modeling and assessment of the floating turbines. This comprehensive approach ensures the optimal performance and longevity of the Kincardine wind farm.