A pilot offshore wind turbine with a new type of an ice-resistant foundation was installed in the Pori sea area of the Northern Baltic Sea during summer 2010. The water depth at the site is nine meters and the ice and wave conditions occasionally get quite heavy. The gravity-type foundation consists of a light ice-strengthened steel shell with a ring footing, ice-breaking cone, and crushed rock fill. The fill provides mass for the foundation and supports the shell against local ice impacts and moments caused by uneven base pressures, as well as stability for the thin shell structure. The ring footing extends the stabilizing moment arm and provides anchorage against overturning. This foundation concept is applicable to a variety of water depths with firm to hard bottom conditions. Foundation erection is fast and easy, making it well-suited for industrial wind farm roll-out.
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