The global objective of the MODEOL project is to TRANSFORM the components supplied by Basque wind power companies, whose designs often come from the wind turbine manufacturer, IN MODULES AND COMPONENTS that are integrated into these modules, whose designs and know-how belong to these Basque wind power companies.

Obviously, this transformation cannot be limited just to the product – it will also affect the way of working and the value added by the actual company.

This global challenge is made up of a series of specific challenges concerning the modules and components involved in this project. These challenges can be divided into two groups: module and components.

MODULE CHALLENGES

Module challenges involve trying to increase the value added by modules for wind turbine manufacturers.

One of the greatest challenges in general is to gain more knowledge of and insight into the interaction between the module's components, to master tools and validation procedures by means of simulation or experimental validation, to enhance flexibility when clients require modifications, and to develop design techniques focusing on assembly and assembly process optimisation.

If we focus on the details of each submodule defined in the project, we have to highlight several challenges for each submodule: the improvement of load transmission from the turbine's blade to the slow shaft, or the structural stability when facing extreme loads and fatigue in the hub module; the reduction of actual costs by optimising the interaction between components, or the improvement of the efficiency of the yaw rotation system and yaw module braking; and the improvement of the location of hydraulic components in the hub or the precision of different pitch system solutions in the pitch module.

COMPONENT CHALLENGES

The component challenge involves transforming the component that is currently supplied by the company to the wind turbine manufacturer, often based on the manufacturer's design, so it becomes the best option to be a part of a new module.

Every partner will face different technological challenges according to their components. In this sense, Laulagun will deal with these challenges by working to improve its bearings, Antec will work to improve its brakes, WEC will work on its frames, Erreka on its bolted joints, Glual and Hine on their pitch hydraulic solutions, and Intza on its lubrication systems.