133296Ventura-OS - an innovative new approach to maintenance of off shore wind turbinesClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UK"Offshore wind in Europe is expected to produce up to 11% of EU's electricity by 2030, BUT due to days lost in maintenance this total is unlikely to be achieved \[Wind Europe Unleashing Europe's offshore wind potential, June 2017\]. In particular, turbine blades are subject to heavy leading edge erosion, reducing efficiency and necessitating rapid repair. Blade repair is expensive, dangerous and limited by a shortage of trained blade technicians ([http://bit.ly/altitec\_2016)][0]. Epoxy repairs also require exact environmental conditions (cured at \>12°C and humidity <75%) which are difficult to achieve on-site. There is a pressing need to return inefficient turbine blades to optimum condition and for a safe and environmentally controlled 'habitat' allowing 24/7 repair work even in otherwise prohibitive conditions and by a lower skilled workforce, but technology has so far not met this need. GEV wish to carry out this 11 month project to develop and test a functioning prototype to demonstrate the efficacy of our new concept - the Ventura-OS. The Ventura-OS is a new style of platform and enclosed pod which will allow improved QA repair work offshore, increasing annual energy production (AEP) of between 1.5 and 2% through Leading Edge Erosion efficiencies. Additionally Ventura-OS offers better maintenance scheduling; risk reduction; 'fixed price' servicing agreements; OEM warranties; 24hr operation in wider weather conditions; less down time, lower manpower overheads (insurance, training); boosting OEMs delivering a warranty regimen and Owner/Operators wishing to maximize their RoI. [0]: http://bit.ly/altitec_2016)"