1 - Offshore Coastal Wind Energy Conversion

Abstract

A wind turbine should be a reliable low-cost machine capable of running for long periods with no breakdowns and no need for servicing. Current wind turbines are fast-running machines with a few blades linked directly through a gear system to electricity-generating machines. The present state of scientific knowledge and technology for small to medium-size horizontal turbines is such that no major breakthroughs are necessary to start an industrial development on a commercial basis; large turbines greater than one megawatt of both vertical and horizontal types, either land-based or offshore-based, requires effort and research before they reach the stage of industrial implementation. Offshore siting presents a number of attractive advantages but still some constraints, and an in-depth investigation of all aspects of such a possibility is highly recommended. Even in the case of small to medium-size turbines, the exact and proper role of wind machines on the energy generation market has to be defined and mass production techniques to meet an expected increase in demand have to be developed.