In July 2011, several members of the BAUER group executed a drilled monopile foundation for a tidal turbine at the Scottish coast under most difficult conditions. A 23m-long monopile with a diameter of 2m was installed 11m deep into the rock bed 37m under sea-level.
The foundation of tidal energy turbines in areas of strong currents and in hard rock needs a highly adapted technology. BSD 3000, the adequate equipment for the realization of the project, was designed and built by BAUER Maschinen GmbH and was fit to cope with the demanding requirements. Using a self-leveling template lowered onto the seabed, it was possible to drill under current speeds of up to 5 m/s.
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Renewable energy from tidal currents is one of the most promising techniques in this field for the future. Foundations for respective turbines are extremely difficult due to the immanent conditions. Proof was made that, after initial difficulties with conventional methods, a drilled monopile foundation for tidal turbines can be executed economically by means of a seabed drilling unit. The BAUER Group contributes with this project to renewable energy supply and thus has a share in economic and ecological solutions.
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[mappress] April 18, 2013