Modelled Cost Reductions for the X-Rotor Offshore Wind Turbine

Abstract

Abstract The XROTOR project is developing an innovative turbine (X-Rotor Concept - XRC) that is a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)/Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) hybrid. The objective of this paper is to assess the XRC Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE), applying different sensitivity analysis to determine a realistic LCoE range. This will then be compared with LCoE estimates for three traditional HAWT drivetrain configurations to evaluate the potential cost savings for the XRC. The paper considers a hypothetical farm of 100x5MW XRCs on generic monopiles, 100km from shore and commissioned in 2030 with a 30-year project. Analysis uses the University of Strathclyde Operation and Maintenance (O&M) model and an LCoE tool developed by University College Cork to calculate results. Sensitivity analysis varies key cost driving elements and uncertain inputs including the O&M strategy, distance from shore and the financial assumptions to determine an optimised LCoE estimated range. Results for the XRC are then compared with estimates derived using the same methodology for the HAWT configurations. Analysis indicates that the novel design may facilitate cost reductions, reducing OPEX by removing heavy components that would require costly heavy lift vessels to maintain. It also removes the failure modes around the gearbox, multi-pole generator and yaw system. The XRC could also reduce the capital cost of drivetrains through a power take-off approach that does not require a gearbox or a multi-pole generation but achieves comparable levels of power conversion. Ultimately the XRC could achieve LCoE cost reductions of 10-19%, compared with the traditional HAWTs. Further savings are considered possible but require additional design and analysis that are outside the scope of this paper.