Tow Tests in September 2013
GICON is currently developing a load-bearing floating structure for offshore wind turbines, the GICON® SOF (Schwimmendes Offshore Fundament = German for ‚Floating Offshore Foundation'). The development is done in cooperation with various partners, among them Technical University and Mining Academy Freiberg, Rostock University and Jaehnig GmbH.
A key development milestone was passed in February 2012 when wave and tow tests of a 1:25 scale model were conducted at the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA), confirming functionality, usability and load capacity during operation as well as transport.
In June 2013 final wind and wave tank tests were conducted at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) to confirm the final design prior to construction of a full scale prototype which is planned for deployment in the German Baltic Sea during 2014.
The experimental tank tests results confirmed usability and operational capabilities as expected. The system showed high stability levels in line with prior simulations and calculations. The tests confirmed the structure's low acceleration levels which are comparable to conventional fixed offshore foundations. This extraordinary stability is a significant difference compared to other floating offshore wind foundations. The measured performance results confirm the design's viability and are another major milestone towards the deployment of a full scale prototype in 2014.
The successful tests confirm GICON as one of the leading floating foundation technology developers for offshore wind. A full scale prototype of the GICON® SOF will be deployed in the German Baltic Sea in 2014.
