Conference WindDays 2018 What happens to a Wind Turbine at End of Life projects?
About Topwind 2008 Ruud Since 1986 Johan Since 1993 25 years experience in wind industry 12 employees Barneveld, The Netherlands Technical experts, supporting professionals with in-depth wind technology knowhow and hands-on experience.
What to do with end of life projects? Options: Life Time Extension (LTE) Low investment No planning permission or consenting needed Re-use Permission for repowering, Turbine(s) are suitable for re-use (after refurbishment) Recycling Turbine(s) are in poor technical condition No opportunities abroad (technical unsuitable) Decommissioning Return the property to it s original use
Life Time Extension (LTE) Principal Regulations Methodology Costs and Benefits
Principal It is based on a simple principle: turbines are designed against standard and regulated wind conditions which are usually exceed real site wind records. This implies that in spite of wind turbines being designed for a 20- year life, in reality their design life can vary from site to site and usually can be extended.
Regulations (1) The Netherlands: Aktiviteitenbesluit and Artikel 3.14 Activiteitenregeling: Ten behoeve van het voorkomen van risico s voor de omgeving en ongewone voorvallen, dan wel voor zover dat niet mogelijk is het zoveel mogelijk beperken van de risico s voor de omgeving en de kans dat ongewone voorvallen zich voordoen en de gevolgen hiervan voldoet een windturbine aan de veiligheidseisen opgenomen in: a.nen-en-iec 61400-1; b.nen-en-iec 61400-2; c.nen-en-iec 61400-3. For bigger wind turbines (NEN-EN-IEC 61400-1) it means that turbines need to be certified for a specific number of operational years by an authorized certification body.
Regulations (2) DNV-GL Guideline for the Continued Operation of Wind Turbines: DNVGL-ST-0262 Edition March 2016 Lifetime extension of wind turbines DNVGL-SE-0263 Edition March 2016 Certification of lifetime extension of wind turbines NWEA Werkgroep Verlengde Levensduur NPR 8400 Principles and technical guidance for continued operation of onshore wind turbines.
Methodology (1) Analytical part Analytical modelling Turbine Aero elastic modelling; Wind conditioning modelling; Operational conditioning modelling; Potential lifetime analyses. Analytical Life Assessment Calculation of possible extension for each main component; Redefine the design lifetime. Practical part Visual turbine inspection Certification through independent expert (Topwind LTE provided by SGS).
Methodology (2)
Costs and benefits Benefits: In-depth overview of technical status of your assets Maintenance adaption to long term operation Costs: Starting at approx. 30.000 per wind park
Re-use Potential markets How to sale? Dismantling
Potential markets United Kingdom East and South Europe North Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine etc.) Latin America Did you know that Turbines from Europe are not suitable in countries with a 60Hz grid frequency. In several countries turbines often have to be de-rated to balance the grid voltage. This is not possible with for direct grid coupled turbines (e.g. Neg Micon and many <1MW Danish concepts). In contrast to the Netherlands, a IEC-certification is not always required in other countries.
How to sale? Brokers + direct sale to the Buyer + price transparency - the risks of international business (export) - Dismantling process Online marketplace + quick access to a worldwide network + low provisions - the risks of international business (export) - Dismantling process Companies who are specialised in reconditioning of wind turbines + direct sale to a local Buyer + dismantling through companies who understand the local requirements + no risks of international business (export)
Points of attention! 1. Do not forget to request the right permissions or notifications for dismantling. 2. If Buyer is going to dismantle the turbine(s) by themselves: 1. Make sure safety requirements are part of the Agreement; 2. For critical locations require an on-site HSE-officer; 3. Be aware of your own responsibilities regarding the authorities. 3. Who is responsible for dismantling of foundation, transformers and cables? 4. Ask a specialist to review your contract before signing.
Recycling Waste hierarchy Materials that can be recycled Recycling solutions for blades Dismantling and recycling of concrete towers
Waste hierarchy (Ladder van Lansink) Life Time Extension Circulair Depending on demand and technical condition Possible for metals, concrete and cables For blades only small quantities Burn in waste-to-energy plant Burn in accordance with legislations Dumped in landfill
Materials that can be recycled Steel - towers and a lot of nacelle components Copper - cables inside and outside the turbine Electrical systems Transformers Etc. Steel towers in storage
Materials that cannot easly be recycled Materials that needs a sustainable destination: Foundations Concrete towers Oil SF6 Gas Blades SF6 gas servicing cart
Blades: End of Use not End of Life Blades cut with a demolition shear Coldwater-cutting technology Unseparated waste from blades Separated composites
End products from recycled blades Bank reinforcement (office)furniture Playground Fiber-reinforced concrete
Dismantling of concrete towers (1) Why we do not prefer this way of dismantling? Requires a lot of coordination with the surroundings and authorities, which also raises public interest: (for example: why are the turbines dismantled? Are there coming new ones?) It is not a practical solution looking to industrial locations and turbines near the highways. Chimney implosion at a power station in the UK Gear oil seeping into the soil or fibreglass flakes contaminating the environment. There are better, safer and more controlled solutions.
Dismantling of concrete towers (2) For a controlled demolition of concrete tower at such locations do you need: An overall HSE-plan including a onsite HSE officer. Professional preparation. Cooperation partners which comply with the necessary certifications for professionalism and quality.
Costs Do not underestimate the costs of a safe and sustainable dismantling; HSE Management; Cranes and transport; GWO trained dismantling team; Safe working requires professional tools and transport frames; Public access roads and permits Costs for dismantling vary between 20K (e.g. 900kW) and 80K (e.g. 2,5 MW) per turbine (excl. the deduction of scrap prices). The costs for dismantling of concrete towers are much higher. Besides, the scrap price will be much lower.
Questions? Are you interested in LTE or going to replace your wind farm? Visit our stand and we will find the right solution for your used turbines. STAND 23 (close to the food/bar area) Or send an e-mail to info@topwind.nl