Mammoet to release new onshore wind crane
Published by Sarah Smith,
Assistant Editor
Energy Global,
As developers chase stronger flows, onshore wind hub heights are growing beyond the reach of conventional crawler cranes. Mammoet’s new WTA lifting system allows theoretically infinite hub heights and paves the way towards emissions-free turbine erection.
The WTA can operate at higher wind speeds than crawler cranes, and requires much less ground space.
The WTA assembles wind turbine generators by attaching directly to the tower itself, using a series of clamps to self-assemble and then climb to each lift location. It assembles tower sections, hubs and nacelles, and has a capacity of 150 t.
Its innovative concept means that the WTA can keep working when conventional crawler cranes cannot. It operates in wind speeds up to 20 m/s, reducing downtime during construction and extending the build season.
As the WTA has a significantly reduced footprint and is much smaller and lighter than any type of crawler crane, it actively lowers the need for groundwork onsite. Pads can be smaller, and ground pressure requirements are lessened – maxing out at the 15 t/m2 typically needed for assist cranes.
The system’s small size means quicker and more cost-effective mobilisation. While a conventional crawler crane can require up to 50 truck loads to reach site, the WTA gets there with just nine.
With no boom laydown requirement, much fewer components and a lower total weight, the WTA is also faster from pad to pad. In fact, relocation time is reduced by approximately 50%, compared to using crawler cranes. It therefore shaves weeks off wind farm construction schedules.
Powered entirely by electricity, it also opens the door for a 100% emissions-free journey from factory to first megawatt – with transport to site via electric or hydrogen-powered truck, on site manoeuvres via ePPU-enhanced SPMT and carbon-free WTA lifting.
The WTA system is now design-ready and can be ready to enter the market during 2Q23.
For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.
Energy Global's Autumn 2021 issue
The Autumn issue of Energy Global features a varied spectrum of in-depth technical articles detailing recent projects, future projections, and technological advancements in the renewables sector, from companies including MISTRAS Group, Fugro, X1 Wind, Sulzer, and more.
Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/wind/21102021/mammoet-to-release-new-onshore-wind-crane/
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