Norwegian offshore wind company Entrion Wind has secured a US patent for its fully restrained platform (FRP) monopile.
The patent represents the first of six applications filed by the company to be awarded. Entrion Wind aims to commercially launch its FRP monopile in 2027.
The FRP monopile is designed to extend the capabilities of traditional monopile technology to water depths of up to 100m.
Its design promises better economics when compared with other foundation systems and incorporates Entrion Wind's top mooring assembly (TMA) system.
The TMA system is said to enhance the monopile's stability by increasing its stiffness while maintaining efficiency during installation and operation.
Entrion Wind co-founder and VP Li Lee said: “Our FRP monopile is designed to deliver exceptional performance in water depths that were previously inaccessible to monopile technology. This innovation will help drive down costs and enable the growth of offshore wind energy in deeper waters.”
Entrion Wind said it is validating the FRP monopile's effectiveness through comprehensive feasibility studies and demonstration projects.
These initiatives enable companies to determine the suitability of the FRP monopile for specific sites, forecast the impact on the cost of energy from capital and operational expenditures, and assess potential project risks and rewards.
Feasibility studies estimated 25% to 50% reductions in capital expenditures in comparison with alternatives, the company claims.
In July this year, Entrion Wind stated that it was assessing the feasibility of its FRP monopile foundation technology with offshore wind developer Simply Blue Group.
Meanwhile, in April, Entrion Wind signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Frigstad Engineering to integrate the FRP monopile technology into the design of Frigstad’s W90 semisubmersible installation vessel.
Under the MoU, the two companies integrated and validated the technical requirements of the FRP monopile into the vessel design for foundation and wind turbine generator installation.
