Frequently Asked Questions
Get Answers About Entrion Wind's Innovative Monopile Technology
Discover more details below to learn more, and please don't hesitate to contact Tomas Fertig at tomas.fertig@entrion.com for further information.
The FRP monopile technology is designed to extend the operating depth of traditional monopiles up to 100 meters, addressing the need for deeper water installations beyond the 50 to 55 meter limit of conventional monopiles.
Depending on soil conditions, metocean data, and turbine size, studies have found that the FRP monopile has a cost advantage beyond 50 to 60 meter water depth compared to XXL monopiles, with the advantage increasing with water depth.
The attachment point of the Top Mooring Assembly (TMA) can be either above or below the water line. The configuration depends on vessel accessibility, regulations, system requirements, and costs.
Yes, the FRP Monopile has been validated for installations of up to 22 MW turbines.
The FRP monopile's mooring lines are designed to avoid interference with vessels during both installation and operation. The installation process has been validated by installation contractors and OWF operators for feasibility.
Fatigue is a critical consideration in the design and sizing of the FRP monopile. The system has been rigorously evaluated in concept and FEED studies to ensure it can withstand the environmental loads encountered in offshore wind farms, including fatigue.
Yes, fatigue has been a key factor in all studies and validations conducted by Entrion Wind. The FRP monopile has undergone extensive analysis to ensure long-term durability and reliability. The fatigue of both the monopile and the mooring system has been evaluated in detail in several feasibility and design studies.
The FRP monopile is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and expected to reach TRL 9 for commercial deployment by 2027.
The best soil type for the FRP Monopile is sand or a mixture between sand and clay, similar to that of the XXL monopile.
The FRP Monopile can be installed in various soil types, but the specific characteristics of the soil—such as sand, clay, or mixed soils—will influence the FRP design. In difficult soils the FRP has an advantage as it can be designed with less embedment length compared to XXL monopiles; and as a result, reduce the need for drilling.
The FRP Monopile technology can be adapted for other offshore applications that require stable, deeper-water foundations, such as platforms for oil & gas extraction, BESS systems, substations, and other energy infrastructure.
The FRP Monopile is designed to meet industry standards for offshore wind structures, which typically aim for a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. The technology incorporates robust materials and design features to ensure durability and minimize the need for extensive maintenance over its operational life.
The FRP Monopile is designed to be lighter and requires less steel than traditional monopiles, leading to a lower environmental footprint during manufacturing and installation. Additionally, the ability to use local subcontractors for manufacturing reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
While the FRP monopile is primarily designed for new installations, the FRP can be used to extend the life of existing OWF by retrofitting the farms with FRP moorings.
Entrion Wind employs rigorous design and quality control processes and adheres to internationally recognized standards throughout the manufacturing and installation phases. The company also conducts extensive testing and validation, including full-scale prototypes and simulations, to ensure the FRP monopile meets all performance requirements.