Massive Dual-Rotor Wind Turbine Sets Sail

The largest single-capacity floating wind platform in the world has begun its voyage, with the builder releasing images of the operation. Mingyang’s OceanX is set to cover 191 nautical miles (220 miles, 354 kilometers) over the next three days to reach its final offshore location.

“When we first covered Mingyang’s OceanX, its dual-rotor design was already creating a buzz. It has now departed from its construction site in Guangzhou, China, and is making its way to the Qingzhou IV Offshore Wind Farm in Yangjiang, Guangdong, to demonstrate its impressive technology.”

A Major Offshore Wind Farm Installation with Advanced Specifications

“OceanX is a substantial piece of equipment for an offshore wind farm installation. It features two MySE16.6(T) wind turbines with blade diameters of 597 feet (182 meters), and the entire floating platform weighs 15,000 tonnes. That is designed to anchor in waters deeper than 115 feet (35 meters).”

In fact, developed by Mingyang Smart Energy in collaboration with Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company and China State Shipbuilding Corp, the OceanX features dual rotors designed to produce over 16 MW of power. The system automatically adjusts to face downwind, adapting to strong breezes.

“However, the platform can withstand winds up to 161 mph (260 km/h), equivalent to Category 5 hurricanes or typhoons.” Its single-point mooring and downwind orientation allow the rotors to flex safely without hitting the supporting structure, ensuring it can withstand severe winds and heavy seas.

While some reports suggest that the OceanX can generate power during a hurricane, this claim is questionable. The official specifications indicate a rated wind speed of around 22 mph (36 km/h), well below hurricane levels. Additionally, wind turbine design principles suggest that a turbine would quickly become damaged if it attempted to generate power at such high speeds instead of merely adjusting to survive.

“It’s possible there has been a translation error or Mingyang’s marketing department may be a bit overly optimistic.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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