Utilizing the knowledge gained from almost two decades of experience in the offshore environment, Siemens leads the world in offshore technology. The strategy is simple – continue to be the best!

In order to be the best at wind power generation, Siemens has focused on three core areas:

Two Siemens turbine types are offered for offshore projects, the SWT-2.3 and the SWT-3.6.

Wind Turbines

Rotor

The rotor blades for Siemens’ offshore turbines are made of fiberglass-reinforced epoxy, manufactured using the proprietary Siemens IntegralBlade® process. Unlike conventional wind turbine blades, the IntegralBlades® are cast in one piece in a closed process. This process leaves no weak points at glue joints and provides optimum quality. The aerodynamic design represents state-of-the-art wind turbine technology, offering maximum energy extraction from any available wind resource and the structural design lives up to the usual Siemens safety factors, in addition to all industry codes and standards.

The blades are mounted on double-row pitch bearings, fitted to a large rotor hub. The pitch actuation system is hydraulic, offering maximum robustness and safety. Like the turbine itself, the blades are designed to last.

Nacelle

The nacelles of the Siemens’ offshore turbines are ideally suited for severe offshore operating conditions.

Major components such as the main shaft, the gearbox and the yaw system are all of particularly heavy dimensions.

The automatic lubrication systems have redundant lubricant reserves to enable continued operation, even if scheduled maintenance is delayed by weather.

The nacelle canopy is metallic to provide optimum lightning and fire protection. All safety systems are fail-safe and have layers of redundancy. Fully integrated climate control and comprehensive offshore-grade surface protection contribute to long service life.

Overall performance is well-proven and every detail is designed using market leading engineering practices.

Tower

Siemens’ offshore turbines are normally mounted on tubular steel towers, fitted with internal personnel hoists. A prefabricated power module is located at the bottom of the tower and provides the platform for the power converter, the turbine transformer and the medium voltage switchgear

Grid performance
Grid stability requirements grow as more wind power is fed into the grid. Siemens also sets the standard in the field of grid compliance.

Power conversion is implemented with Siemens’ unique NetConverter® system.

This system uses full conversion of the power generated, efficiently decoupling generator and turbine dynamics from the grid. The NetConverter® system offers maximum flexibility in the turbine response to voltage and frequency control, fault ride-through, and output adjustment.

As a result, Siemens turbines comply with all relevant grid codes

 

Drawing on almost two decades of experience in successfully delivering offshore projects on time and within budget, Siemens knows exactly what it takes. Over the years, many aspects of the installation methodology have been tested and analyzed. Gradually, best practices have been established, and even though the process often needs to be adjusted to fit project-specific requirements, the fundamental approach remains the same.

By thoroughly understanding the complexity and challenges associated with implementing an offshore project, and by establishing optimized installation processes, Siemens maximizes the value of each link in the chain, providing minimum costs and optimum predictability in project delivery.

Installation scope
The Siemens installation scope is tailored to the needs of individual customers.
One classical approach is an all-in equipment supply where Siemens provides the installation vessels. In another approach, the customer provides the installation vessels and Siemens carries out the work. Further alternatives are possible, depending on the customer’s skills and objectives and a joint evaluation of the most optimal solutions.
Irrespective of the installation scope, Siemens’ customers will always benefit from the reliability and robustness of a proven installation process.

Components delivery to port
Siemens transports all components, parts and equipment to a harbor site close to the proposed wind farm. The site serves as the assembly and embarkation station for the project.

Pre-assembly of components
Pre-assembly commences once all necessary components have been delivered. Siemens designs, plans and executes all work processes to minimize the amount of work required offshore.

Storage of rotor blades
Specialists place rotor blades in the storage area, ready for shipment to the site. The blades are stored in special transport fixtures used on the installation vessel. In some cases, blades are shipped as completed rotors.

Load out
Service technicians load all components onto the transport vessel in accordance with the project plan. Siemens’ proprietary fixtures and sea fastenings are used for safe transport and working procedures.

Transport
A transportation vessel takes the components to the site. Transportation time can vary from site to site based on many factors, including the vessel type, the distance from the port of origin to the site, and weather conditions.

Installation
The transport vessel arrives onsite. The tower is lifted onto the foundation. Service technicians then lift the nacelle onto the tower and the rotor is mounted on the nacelle, either as a completed unit or in single-blade installation.

Commissioning
Once the turbine is mechanically completed and energized, it is thoroughly tested for commissioning.

Some tests are automatically performed by the turbine computer controller, while others are performed by the service crew.

Service and maintenance
Siemens provides service and maintenance during the warranty period. Long-term service and maintenance contracts are also available from Siemens to ensure years of trouble-free operation.

 

Safety

Safe operations and turbine access are some of the main challenges in the offshore environment. Stringent safety standards are important due to the increased complexity of servicing offshore turbines. Siemens’ emphasis on efficient environment, health and safety processes and turbine access training is unmatched, and is the primary consideration. Quality training sessions and daily assessments help to keep Siemens personnel at the forefront of safety in the wind industry.

 

Generation

Located in remote areas and operating under the harshest weather conditions, offshore projects require the most reliable turbines. Siemens delivers exceptional turbine performance and strives for a close collaboration with customers to help gain maximum output throughout the lifetime of the turbine.

Intelligent planning and forecasting can allow Siemens to schedule and execute activities, with due consideration of high energy price windows, which can significantly influence asset economics.

A strong focus is placed on building partnerships for the simple reason that shared priorities can lead to efficient power generation.

 

Availability

Siemens is known as a highly reliable offshore service provider within the industry with an unmatched track record for helping its customers to maintain optimum availability. The diagnostics centre and control mechanisms allow for advanced turbine data to be proficiently analyzed and recommended measures are taken to help maximize unit availability.

Siemens competent field service teams, combined with strategic demand planning capabilities, result in fast response times and planned service operations help customers to secure optimum availability.

 

Access

Siemens employs sophisticated weather forecasting tools to determine if safe access is possible prior to the dispatch of field service teams.

Research and development into safe transport, all weather access systems and stationary offshore accommodation platforms helps Siemens to increase response time while providing a safe working environment for its service specialists.