Dutch Ministers Schultz van Haegen (Ministry of Infrastructure & the Environment) and Kamp (Ministry of Economic Affairs) opened a new hydraulic research facility, one of a kind in the world, Deltares’ Delta Flume in Delft.
The Delta Flume will be the location for full-scale studies of the effects of extreme waves on dikes and offshore structures – like offshore wind turbines. This is the only place in the world where the effect of extreme waves can be studied onshore on a full scale.
During previous years Deltares studied the effect of extreme waves on offshore turbines and offshore high voltage stations – like during the JIP WiFi project – under scaled circumstances.
Extreme wave impacts is a design driver for offshore structures. Understanding these effects in detail limits the risks and therefore result in a reduction of levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) from offshore wind. Testing extreme wave impacts in this novel facility on a full scale will further increase this knowledge and understanding.
The Dutch government targets at a levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) reduction of 40% by 2020 and the use of this new facility is expected to help achieving this goal.
Image: Deltares