Ge:Net advances into new Mast and Measurement Heights

Wind measurements in greater heights are getting more and more important while imposing increasing challenges to manufacturer and builder of wind measurement masts. For the sake of the customers and the environment wind turbine manufacturers improve their portfolio relentlessly. Specially for inland sites wind turbines with large hub heights are interesting because the wind velocity increases with the height at inland sites more than it does at the shore. Increasing the hub height about 10 m results in 5 to 7 % more yield. Therefore, it is very important that future wind turbine generations fulfil these criteria. A precise, high quality wind measurement at hub height is the gold standard for wind measurement.

Not only for wind park development wind measurement is essential but also for validation of existing wind turbines. Wind park developer rely preferably on precise information of wind potential for future sites in order to minimize uncertainties in the calculation of long term wind park yield and increase the value of the project.

To match the increased demand Ge:Net has now built a mast with a height of 180 m in a new project. The erection in mid Finland could be finished to the complete satisfaction of Ge:Net’s customer before the approaching winter.

The Mast with a height of 180 m consists of elements with a length of 6 m. Every element weighs approximately 400 kg and is erected with the lift up method. Ge:Net has developed a special method for the seize and weight of these elements. The workers use a special type of mini crane which climbs up the mast as it grows. After putting the first element on the foundation of the mast the mini crane will be installed. The second element will then be put on top of the first with the assistance of the min crane. After the successful installation of the element the crane will be fixed at a higher position and is ready to mount the next element.

This Method is the most cost-efficient way though even with prolonged erection time no heavy crane is needed and helicopter assisted erection can also be avoided.

For the installation industrial climber work together, who have been trained by German Fisat or international Irata. During erection two to three climbers are working near the top. Additionally, two to three people work on the ground. The erection of a 180 m mast takes two to three weeks, depending on the weather conditions.