Installation of weather monitoring system on a floating offshore wind farm
Overview
OEG Renewables recently completed a ground-breaking project, installing a state-of-the-art MetOcean weather monitoring system for a floating offshore wind farm located off the coast of Portugal. This innovative system, leveraging advanced MetOcean sensors—including Radac wave radar units and anemometers—provides real-time data on sea conditions, wind speed, direction, and temperature. It’s a step forward in offshore wind monitoring and a testament to the adaptability and technical expertise of OEG Renewables’ offshore communications team.
Location
Portugal
Offshore communications engineer installing a MetOcean sensor system to an offshore floating wind turbine.
Offshore communications engineer installing a MetOcean sensor system to an offshore floating wind turbine.
Offshore communications engineer installing a MetOcean sensor system to an offshore floating wind turbine.
Challenges
Deploying the MetOcean system on floating platforms introduced a unique set of challenges. Unlike traditional fixed structures, these floating wind turbines are constantly in motion, requiring a solution that could dynamically adjust to the ever-changing positioning. For OEG Renewables, this wasn’t just a typical installation; it demanded a full re-engineering of their standard MetOcean systems to ensure accurate data collection amid platform movement.
The client, familiar with OEG’s reputation for problem-solving in high-stakes environments, approached us because they needed a partner with both the technical capabilities and the agility to innovate within offshore conditions. They sought not just data collection, but actionable, high-precision data on weather conditions. Existing systems lacked the resilience to handle the complexities of a floating platform, and they required a specialised team to bridge that gap, integrate with their Azure platform, and provide a seamless, global-access dashboard.
Workscope
To address the client’s needs, OEG Renewables set out to design, install, and integrate a MetOcean weather monitoring system specifically tailored for a floating offshore wind farm. The client wanted a robust, accurate, and continuously accessible view of offshore weather conditions—information critical for both operational planning and safety.
Solution
The OEG Renewables team devised a custom solution that combined the most advanced MetOcean sensors available. Radac wave radar units capture real-time sea state data, tracking wave direction, height, period, and tide. Integrated anemometers contribute wind speed, direction, and temperature readings. Together, these provide a comprehensive snapshot of the environmental conditions offshore, viewable at any time. This data is displayed via OEG Renewables' bespoke dashboard, which was tailored to the client’s specifications and designed to be easily accessed and interpreted by operators in real-time.
Recognising the specific demands of a floating platform, the team made significant modifications to the standard MetOcean system. They developed proprietary software that compensated for the motion of the floating turbines, an essential feature for maintaining accurate readings and ensuring data reliability. This software was then integrated with the client’s Azure-based platform, allowing global access to MetOcean data for staff located anywhere in the world, enhancing both situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
The success of this installation not only solved the client’s immediate needs but also set a precedent for future floating wind farm projects.
Testimonial
We are delighted to have been offered the opportunity to work on our first floating wind project, installing a weather monitoring system we’re very proud of and leveraging the team's vast technical expertise and competency.