Japan starts tests to assess vertical axis floating wind turbine 

The demonstration project, the aim of which is to advance the development of low-cost offshore wind power generation systems, is being developed by a consortium of six companies: Electric Power Development; Tokyo Electric Power; Chubu Electric Power; Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha; Sumitomo Heavy Industries; and Albatross Technology. Another aim is to make full use of Japanese supply chain.

The demonstrator consists of a vertical-axis wind turbine with three blades and a cylindrical floating foundation. The diameter of the rotor is 9.3 m, and the diameter of the floating foundation is 1.7 m. Its maximum output power is under 20 kW. Station-keeping is achieved by three mooring lines, each connected to seabed anchors.

The one-year demonstration project will be used to verify the technical feasibility of vertical axis floating wind turbine. After the demonstration, the unit will be decommissioned and its components will be thoroughly inspected.

The partners in the project believe a vertical axis floating wind turbine could be a less expensive option compared to conventional floating wind turbines, thanks to its simplified structure.

Outcomes from the demonstration, together with ongoing studies of larger-scale systems, will be used to advance the development of MW-class demonstration systems, with the ultimate goal of their commercial deployment.