MEASUREMENT AND SURVEYS FOR OFFSHORE WIND FARM

By Duc Hoang

If you haven’t explored the previous post about the WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE FOR OFFSHORE WIND FARM, I recommend you click the link here to discover more about the components that make our wind farm dreams come true. https://techmadeeasy.info/work-breakdown-structure-for-offshore-wind-farm/.

Now, let’s dive into two crucial studies and surveys – the compasses guiding our journey to renewable wonders! 🗺️🌎.

Before building a wind farm, we need to befriend the wind and ocean, just like detectives solving a mystery! We use cool gadgets to collect clues: wind speed, wave heights, and even the secret whispers of the ocean currents. This info is like gold because it helps us build the perfect wind farm!

1. Wind and Metocean Study: Imagine we’re Sherlock Holmes with a weather vane. Our mission? Investigate wind and waves! Here’s why:
   • Custom-Made Suit: Our wind farm needs measurements – not too tight, not too loose. It’s like tailoring a suit for a VIP party. Why?
     • Engineering Magic: Turbines, cables, foundations – they all need exact specs. It’s like stitching a flawless suit. No surprises during construction!
     • Business Clues: Think of this data as Sherlock’s magnifying glass. It solves mysteries: Will our wind farm make money? Is it a smart investment? The financial wizards want proof.
     • Project Financing: Imagine asking the bank for a loan. They say, “Show us the data!” It’s like convincing them our cake (wind farm) will sell like hotcakes.
2. Wind Measurement: Picture our wind farm’s diary – recording wind speed, direction, and whispers from the breeze. But it’s not a one-day journal; it’s a year-long saga! Why?
   • Turbine Suitability: Not all turbines love the same winds. Some twirl gracefully; others stumble. Wind data helps us choose the right dance partners (turbines).
   • Design Blueprint: Our wind farm needs details. Wind assessment reports provide the ink – guiding our layout, permits, and marine ballet.
   • Financial Spice: Imagine baking a cake (yes, another one). Wind data flavors our financial recipe. How much energy? How many bills? It’s like adding secret spices.
3. Metocean Mysteries: Now we dive deeper – into ocean currents, waves, and mermaid whispers. 🌊🧜‍♀️
   • WTG Challenges: Our turbines face ocean acrobatics – currents tugging, waves crashing. Metocean data helps us design sturdy foundations and choose the right turbine gymnasts.
   • Weather Windows: Imagine scheduling a beach party. Metocean data tells us when the waves are friendly. It’s like picking the perfect day – not too stormy, not too calm.
   • Hydrodynamic Map: The metocean report is our treasure map. It deciphers ocean secrets – currents, wave heights, and tides. This map guides our permits, design process, and marine maneuvers.
4. Synergy Alert: Here’s the magic potion! Wind and metocean team up – like Batman and Robin. Wind measurement with Floating Lidars or fixed platforms saves time and gold coins. It’s like baking two cakes in one oven! 🍰🌬️

In addition, let’s explore the geotechnical wonders – like uncovering buried treasure on Wind Island. 🌬️🔍

Geo Survey: Imagine we’re intrepid explorers – sailing toward an uncharted island (our wind farm site). Our mission? Gather geophysical data! Here’s why:

• Ground Model: Think of this as our site’s blueprint. We sketch the land, seabed, and hidden treasures (geohazards). It’s like mapping a pirate’s cove!
• Environment Clues: Imagine we’re detectives – solving the case of environmental impact. The survey provides evidence: Is our wind farm eco-friendly? Will it hug dolphins or scare seagulls?
• Site Characterization: We’re storytellers – describing our site’s personality. What’s the soil like? Are there underwater hills or secret valleys? It’s like writing a novel about Wind Island.

1. Data’s Superpowers:
   • Shallow Geology: Picture us digging – not with shovels, but with data. We uncover rock layers, sandbanks, and ancient secrets (okay, maybe not fossils). It’s like reading Earth’s diary.
   • Seabed Features: Imagine our radar eyes – scanning the ocean floor. We spot shipwrecks, coral reefs, and buried mysteries (okay, maybe not chests). It’s like playing “I Spy” with the seabed.
   • Local Topography: Think of this as our site’s selfie – capturing hills, valleys, and cliffs. It’s like saying, “Hey, world, this is Wind Island!” 📸
   • Geohazards: These are our villains – underwater quicksand, rocky cliffs, and sneaky currents. The survey warns us: “Watch out, Captain! Danger ahead!”
2. WTG Layout Refinement: Imagine we’re architects – arranging turbines on our island canvas. The survey whispers: “Put a turbine here, avoid that reef.” It’s like choreographing a wind dance.
3. Cable Routes: Picture us as cable detectives. We trace paths – avoiding shipwrecks and seaweed tangles. It’s like laying roads for electricity cars.
4. Foundation Wisdom: Think of this as our wind farm’s roots. The survey advises: “Rocky seabed? Use sturdy anchors!” It’s like choosing boots for our turbines.
5. Ground Model: Imagine we’re sculptors. The survey gives us clay – data to mold our island. It’s like shaping a wind-powered masterpiece.
6. Geotechnical Campaign: Now we’re drillers. The survey guides us: “Boreholes here, soil tests there.” It’s like sampling soil in our wind garden.

So, whether it’s geophysical scrolls or wind whispers, our wind farm saga unfolds. Let’s chart a course toward renewable wonders! 🌬️🗺️🌎