Nabrawind has successfully tested its “crane-less” system for installing wind turbines in extreme wind conditions in Namibia
Skylift technology has overcome its greatest technical challenge by completing the installation of the first Goldwind GW165/6000 wind turbine at the InnoVent Diaz wind farm.
Nabrawind, a company specializing in disruptive wind energy solutions, has successfully completed the installation of the first wind turbine using its Skylift system at the InnoVent Diaz wind farm (Namibia). This milestone not only validates this technology for the wind energy sector but also sets a precedent for the installation of large-scale turbines in locations with extreme wind conditions where large cranes are not available.
Skylift: “crane-less” operation in areas with extreme winds.
The Skylift lifting system integrates two technologies developed by Nabrawind: the Self-Erecting System (Total SES), adapted to conventional tubular towers, and BladeRunner. Both technologies eliminate the need for large-tonnage cranes, overcoming the main logistical challenge in wind farms where crane access is difficult and wind conditions are extreme.
The technology developed by Nabralift has evolved, making it possible to lift any type of tower once the rotor has been installed at a height of 30–40 m (previously 90–100 m). The operation is performed reliably in unstable winds, at speeds of 15 m/s and bursts of up to 20 m/s, unlike conventional cranes that can only operate in winds of up to 6–8 m/s for the installation of certain components, such as the blades. The Innovent Diaz wind farm, located in one of the world’s most wind-rich areas, has enabled the validation of this installation system across the entire range of wind speeds.
In addition, the system allows for the hoisting of sections of thin-walled tubular towers without compromising their structural integrity, thanks to Total SES technology, which builds on Nabralift’s Self-Erecting System (SES) to enable its use on all types of wind towers.
The Challenge of Erecting GW165/6000 Direct-Drive Wind Turbines
Goldwind’s GW165/6000 wind turbine is a direct-drive model, which has led Nabrawind’s engineering team to develop another pioneering system—one that is essential for wind turbines of this type. After hoisting the first section and the nacelle, two blades were installed at a 30-degree angle to the ground, using a proprietary handling system and a counterweight that stabilizes the rotor until it reaches the final hub height. Finally, this counterweight is replaced by the third blade thanks to the BladeRunner system. This is the first time this solution has been used with the two blades in a 30 degree position, which represents the highest degree of difficulty for the project.
Increased installation rate.
The InnoVent Diaz wind farm will feature seven Goldwind GW165/6000 wind turbines. This allows Nabrawind to demonstrate both its ability to handle complex installation procedures and the system’s operational reliability under standard conditions, to complete the installation of the seventh turbine in a net cycle time of one week.
InnoVent Diaz Wind Farm.
In addition to the seven Goldwind GW165/6000 wind turbines, the Innovent Diaz wind farm includes four XMEC-Darwind XE93-2000 wind turbines (mounted on Nabrabase foundations) that have already been installed by Nabrawind. Once operational, the facility will generate 230 GWh of clean energy – 6% of the country’s electricity demand – and prevent the emission of 200,000 tons of CO2 annually.