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Measuring platforms: Data for offshore wind parks.

Wind parks far from the coast.

Together, the intense economic use of coastal waters and nature conservation requirements make it impossible in Germany to build large offshore wind parks close to the coast. Most offshore wind parks will therefore be built well over 20 km from the coast in waters of up to 44 m in depth. In preparation for the construction of these offshore wind parks research platforms were installed in
the North and Baltic Sea. The data collected by these platforms provides important information for the authorizing agencies, project developers and the
operators of offshore wind parks.

Six measuring platforms and masts in the North and Baltic Seas.

The German government and the coastal federal states are currently financing three research platforms: Fino 1 and Fino 3 in the North Sea and Fino 2 in the Baltic Sea. In addition, private investors are operating three measuring masts (SKY2000, Arkona-Becken Südost and Amrumbank West).

Research platforms, Baltic Sea Seite

Interaktive Ostseekarte
Research platforms in the Baltic Sea

Research platforms, North Sea Seite

Interaktive Nordseekarte
Research platforms in the North Sea

Research activities cover a wide range of fields. In addition to technical data, information on the effect wind parks have on the maritime flora and fauna is being collected.

Experiences gained during installation.

Important experiences were gained in respect of foundation structures such as jacket, monopile or gravity foundations during the installation of the measuring platforms and masts. The noise emitted during construction was recorded and then evaluated with the objective of reducing the noise made when building future wind parks and thus keeping the impairment of the maritime environment as minimal as possible.

Technical and ecological focus:

Technical equipment and electricity supply.

The research platforms generate their own electricity using solar cells, mini wind turbines and/or emergency diesel generators. Some of the platforms are equipped with a helicopter deck for speedy maintenance and a heavy-duty crane for moving equipment. Smaller platforms have only been equipped with the most important measuring instruments, including wind meters, acoustic and oceanographic sensors and radar measuring devices. Most of the measuring devices can be controlled by radio from the land.

The data collected is sent to shore by radio link or satellite telephone and evaluated by various research institutes.

Get further information with the current dena-factsheet (2010):
Factsheet: Measuring platforms: Data for offshore wind parks 313 KB PDF


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