China tests the world’s largest floating wind turbine

A new 20 MW wind turbine designed for floating applications was recently successfully installed in China, preparing for the testing phase. China Railway Construction Corporation (CRRC) announced the world’s largest floating wind turbine model, marking an important step forward in exploiting super-large offshore wind turbines, Interesting Engineering reported on January 21.

Named Qihang, the 20 MW floating offshore wind turbine was independently developed by CRRC. The turbine model was completed at the production facility in Xayang district, Jiangsu province, in October 2024 and departed from Xayang port to Guangli port in Dongying, Shandong province in mid-December last year. Using a self-propelled modular transport vehicle, the turbine was transported to the Dongying Shandong Wind Energy Equipment Licensing and Testing Initiative Facility. On January 11, the turbine was successfully pulled into the test position.

The scale of the new turbine is impressive. According to CRRC, the wind rotor diameter is up to 260 m, equivalent to the length of 7 standard football fields, with a height of 151 m. The turbine’s giant blades, spinning at speeds equivalent to high-speed rail, can meet a family’s electricity needs for 2-4 days with just one rotation. It is expected that the turbine’s operation will help reduce coal consumption by about 25,000 tons and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 62,000 tons annually.

Qihang integrates a variety of advanced control technologies and anti-storm measures to ensure outstanding stability and minimal fluctuations during operation. The turbine design focuses on reuse and scaling of components, increasing flexibility and efficiency through the modular structure of key system interfaces. To monitor and adapt to the marine environment, Qihang has more than 200 points testing every key aspect of the turbine from the blades to the frame and drive system, mast, floating platform and mooring system. These points will collect data on wind and wave conditions and the response of the floating platform, allowing for comprehensive analysis of performance. After completing testing and licensing, the Qihang prototype will be installed offshore, starting to produce electricity for the grid.

With a capacity of 20 MW, CRRC’s floating wind turbine surpasses the current largest units, Envision Energy’s 16.7 MW prototype and Dongfang Electric’s 18 MW prototype, both of which began testing in June 2024. . Currently, the largest floating wind turbine in operation belongs to Minh Duong company, with a capacity of 16.6 MW with a unique V-shaped configuration and rotating base. Minh Duong Wind Power Company is developing a more powerful 22 MW version, expected to become the world’s most powerful floating wind turbine this year.